Samantha Harris Reminisces About Her ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Gig: “It Was a Dream Job” (EXCLUSIVE)

Actress Samantha Harris opens up to Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview and talks about how she felt leaving Dancing With the Stars after eight seasons as co-host. To this day, Samantha Harris tells Closer, "a part of me wishes I could go back, but it led me down the path to other incredible projects."

“Growing up in a family of performers [dad Richard was a rock ’n’ roll promoter and mom Bonnie was a dancer], DWTS was a dream job on so many levels," she said. "Watching the dancers and guest singers up close and the gowns with genuine diamonds and rubies weren’t so bad!"

Samantha with her former co-host, Tom Bergeron.

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One of those incredible projects Samantha has moved on to is her new gig as host of Gordon Ramsay’s new cooking show, Culinary Genius. "I love to cook," Samantha tells Closer.

"And as a mom of two girls [Josselyn, 9, and Hillary, 6], I’m constantly trying to come up with new meals they’re going to like," she adds. "It was great to see how these cooks can create a dish in such a short time."

For more on Samantha Harris, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive news!

Click through the gallery below to see the Dancing With the Stars judges and co-hosts then and now!