Channel Seven refuses to say if Shane Bourne will return to host Dancing With The Stars in 2016

CHANNEL 7 has confirmed that Dancing With The Stars will be back next year but there is no word if Shane Bourne will return as co-host.

CHANNEL 7 has confirmed that Dancing With The Stars will be back for a 16th season in 2016 — but there is still no word whether Shane Bourne will return as co-host.

Bourne has divided audiences since he took over from former presenter Daniel MacPherson alongside Edwina Bartholomew this year.

MACPHERSON TELLS NOVA ON CONFIDENTIAL WHY HE QUIT

Will Shane Bourne be back with Edwina Bartholomew when Dancing With The Stars returns next year.

The 65-year-old copped a serve on social media with viewers lashing him for being too old, boring, for jokes falling flat, and going through the motions.

MacPherson recently jumped to Bourne’s defence, saying “it took me a while to settle in to that show too, it’s not the easiest of roles”.

Seven is yet to confirm whether Bourne will be back in 2016 and the former host of Thank God You’re Here ducked interview requests this week.

Bartholomew has added her support for Bourne, though, saying that she would love the on-air partnership to continue.

“To have this new experience of doing the show with Shane — I think it has been great this season and it will be even better next year,” Bartholomew says.

“He has such an off-the-wall humour, loves to improvise, and is so funny that I think it probably took us a couple of weeks for us to find our rhythm and groove — and we certainly have.

“I find him so hilarious. I love his dancing. You never know what’s going to happen next. I think it adds spontaneity to the show.”

COMMENT BELOW: Is Shane Bourne the right fit as a DWTS host

Edwina Bartholomew says Shane Bourne has settled in as DWTS host.

The ratings for Dancing With The Stars have taken a tumble this year, with recent episodes averaging less than 700,000 viewers across the five capital cities.

Despite the drop, Seven is planning on more Dancing With The Stars in 2016 and beyond.

“Another series of Dancing With The Stars was never in doubt — of course it is back next year,” a Seven spokeswoman said.

“It is a reliable rater and it has a legion of fans. The US version is up to its 21st season and that is where we see the Australian series heading.”

MKR contestant Ash Pollard is the final four of DWTS. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Finalist Mat Rogers receives a spray tan prior to DWTS. Picture: Emma Freedman

... although finalist Emma Freedman nmight have something to say about that. Picture: Richard Dobson

Dancing With the Stars finalist Matthew Mitcham, with dance partner Marsha Belash. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

The two-part Grand Final is on Sunday and Monday and will be another test of the show’s popularity. The four finalists are Emma Freedman, Ash Pollard, Matthew Mitcham and Mat Rogers.

Dancing with the Stars, Channel 7, Sunday 8pm and Monday 7.30pm