Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) kicks off again on March 21, and the cast for the upcoming 12th season of the show has just been released. From the look of things, it is going to be quite an interesting season as the cast is eclectic to say the least. Check out the cast and the dancers (all of whom are DWTS veterans) that will be joining them below!
The always hilarious Kirstie Alley, 60, former model and star of the reality show Fat Actress, and the classic television show, Cheers. She is paired with dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who has danced previously alongside ESPN’s Erin Andrews, boxer Laila Ali, Willa Ford, Tia Carrere and Brandy, amongst others.
Michael Catherwood, aka Psycho Mike, 31, deejay for Los Angeles-based radio station KROQ and co-host of “Loveline” alongside one of Positively Celebrity’s favorite people, Dr. Drew. Catherwood’s dance partner is the gorgeous Lacey Schwimmer, who previously danced alongside Jackass star Steve-O, Lance Bass of ‘N Sync and Kyle Massey from the Disney Channel.
Super athlete Chris Jericho, 40, former WWE world champion wrestler will have two time Emmy nominated professional dancer Cheryl Burke beside him for the competition. Burke won back to back DWTS in previous seasons alongside Drew Lachey and former NFL great, Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith.
Olympic Gold Medalist and multiple world champion boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, 54, has Russian ballroom dancer Anna Trebunskaya for his partner. Trebunskaya, who has previously danced alongside Jerry Rice, UFC tough guy Chuck Liddell and not-so-tough-guy Steve Guttenberg, will be looking for her first title in DWTS, and I personally believe she and Sugar Ray can make a run for the championship.
The beautiful Chelsea Kane, 22, known for multiple roles on the Disney Channel will be dancing with Mark Ballas, who won DWTS titles in the sixth season with Kristi Yamaguchi, and the eighth with Shawn Johnson.
The original Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio, 49, who recently was part of the surprise television hit Ugly Betty, will have Karina Smirnoff, five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion beside him for the season. Smirnoff is a seasoned veteran of DWTS, having been previously partnered with Mario Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus, singer Mario and Mike “the Situation” Sorrentino.
Czech bombshell Petra Nemcova, 31, one of the world’s top supermodels and philanthropists will be paired up with Emmy Nominated choreographer Dmitry Chaplin, who will probably be shirtless for most of the competition. Chaplin has danced with Holly Madison, of E!’s Holly’s World and singer Mya in previous seasons.
Romeo Miller, 21, aka rapper Lil Romeo who is all grown up and recently completed playing college basketball for the Trojans of the University of Southern California is a surprise contestant. His father, rapper and former sports agent Master P, was a former competitor on DWTS. Romeo will be dancing with blonde bombshell (and American born and raised) Chelsie Hightower, who only lasted two weeks in her last round of DTWS, when she was partnered with Michael Bolton.
Hines Ward, 34, NFL Pro Bowler from the Super Bowl runner up Pittsburgh Steelers, is matched up with Australian Kym Johnson, who has danced in multiple seasons of DWTS alongside Joey Fatone, NFL legend Warren Sapp, comedian David Alan Grier, David Hasselhoff and Donny Osmond (with whom Johnson won the ninth season).
The hilarious Wendy Williams, 46, syndicated daytime television talk-show host and best selling author will be dancing with Tony Dovolani, who notoriously quit on Kate Gosselin in a previous season of DWTS, who has the titles of undefeated U.S. Professional Rhythm Champion and undefeated World Professional Rhythm Champion under his belt. According to the New York Post, “The Wendy Williams Show” will go on hiatus while she participates in DWTS.
Rounding out the cast is former Playboy Playmate and member of E!’s Girls Next Door, Kendra Wilkinson, 25, who is currently starring on her own reality television show simply entitled “Kendra” that details the life of her, her husband (NFL wide receiver Hank Baskett), and their family. Dutch-born Louis van Amstel will be returning to DWTS for his eighth season as Wilkinson’s partner, and has danced previously with Lisa Rinna, Priscilla Presley, Kelly Osbourne, Niecy Nash and Margaret Cho.
Veteran DWTS sancer Derek Hough (who has been in every season since 5) will unfortunately not be returning for season 12, as he will be busy at work on “Cobu,” a new dance movie that is being shot in 3D and co-starring Asian pop star BoA!
All of us here at Positively Celebrity can’t wait for the new season to start on March 21st at 8pm ET/PT (don’t forget to TiVo!), and hope that the new cast is ready to put on a show because we will all be watching!
Be sure to check back for more of the latest celebrity news and features from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!
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