“Dancing with the Stars” returns on March 21, and ABC just released the celebrity lineup for the show’s 22nd season. Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews will return to host this season, as well as the judging panel, who consists of Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Noticeably absent from this list are both Derek and Julianne Hough, who have been fan favorites in past seasons— reasoning behind the Houghs absences during this season is unknown. However, the rest of the professional dancers are back to compete for the mirror ball trophy with new celebrity partners.
When I originally read some of the names on this season’s celebrity contestant list, I was a little lost trying to identify some of the new competitors. Nonetheless, there are a few stars that everyone knows who will be fun to watch this season. For starters,
Jodie Sweetin who starred as Stephanie Tanner on “Full House” and now “Fuller House” will compete for the mirror-ball trophy. The actress is not the only child star to make the cast this year, as Kim Fields from “The Facts of Life” will also be competing. Mischa Barton who starred on the drama, “The O.C.,” will also be a contender.
This season is also complete with quite a few athletes. Former college and NFL football player, Doug Flutie, will make an appearance. There will also be two current players competing, Antonio Brown, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Super Bowl 50 MVP, linebacker Von Miller, for the Denver Broncos. Another athlete that stood out to me was UFC fighter Paige VanZant because not only is she athletic, but her parents also owned a dance studio when she was younger, which may help her edge out the competition.
While the rest of the cast isn’t as easily identifiable for most fans of the show, they add a nice variety to the group of dancers. Nyle DiMarco was the first deaf winner of America’s Next Top Model, being only the second competitor on the show to have this disability. Ginger Zee and Geraldo Rivera may be familiar faces as the two reporters work for “Good Morning America” and various Fox news programs, respectively. Rounding out the cast is Wayna Morris from Boyz II Men and Marla Maples, an actress who was once married to Donald Trump.
The cast comes from all walks of fame and with the help of their talented, professional partners, this season proves to be an interesting one. Be sure to tune in when the show returns to TV later this month.
Feature Image: Disney ABC Television Group Photo, Courtesy of Flickr URL
