ABC's The Bachelor will be ending March 14th, and naturally, that means Dancing With the Stars will be taking its place on March 21st, 2016. No definite decisions have been made as far as contestants go, but rumors are floating around, and also the definite announcement for the return of Len Goodman as one of the judges on the panel.
Len Goodman tweeted back in November, "Back on DWTS season 22. So nice people are welcoming me back. Be careful what you wish for." The grumpy British judge was missing from season 21 so that he could focus on his commitment to Strictly Come Dancing, the inspiration for the Dancing With the Stars show. He's returning, though, so we will have the pleasure of hearing, "A ten from Len!" once again.
According to E-Online, we may not be seeing the return of dancing professional, Derek Hough. He told E! at the end of last season, "I have to say this isn't a bad way to go out," when asked if he as returning again. Derek has been on the show for 16 seasons, and has won six mirrorball trophies. He has also won two Emmy awards. He almost didn't compete in season 20, but decided at the last minute that he would do the show, and also performed as the male lead in the New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
The 2nd place winner from last season, Sharna Burgess (paired with Nick Carter), is also unsure if she will return to Dancing With the Stars next season or not.
So, we have a definite return of a former judge, and an unsure return of two professional dancers. What will season 22 hold in store for the "Stars?"
We've seen previous stars from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette show up on Dancing With the Stars before. Among them are Chris Soules (Season 20), Sean Lowe (Season 16), and Jake Pavelka (Season 10). The Bachelorette stars who have appeared- Trista Sutter from the 1st season, and Melissa Rycroft- winner of the All-stars season.
Kaitlyn Bristowe was rumored to join the cast last season, but E! reported from their source, "The timing isn't right, but she loves the show and hopes to keep the door open for another season down the road." Could she appear on this season?
Our current Bachelor star, Ben Higgins, told E! reporters when asked if he would consider joining Dancing With the Stars, "I think I'm excited about what experiences are next in life. Just like I never expected to be on The Bachelorette, I never expected to be the Bachelor, I don't know what to expect next and I'm open to anything," he said. "I have a great life. I love my life here in Denver. I don't want to chance my life, but if there's opportunity to enhance it, I'm all for it!"
Dancing With the Stars always needs to have an NFL player join their ranks, and this year, it looks like NY Giants running back Rashad Jennings is very likely to be the next one. According to TMZ, Rashad has always dreamed of being on the show, and after being in contact with the powers that be, he "is confident he'll be the next big NFL star to jitterbug, waltz, and samba on TV."
Last season's winner was Bindi Irwin, and according to Bindi's mother, Terri, in an interview with the Australian Today Show, she said that DWTS producers had showed interest in casting her 11-year-old son, Robert. Could you see an eleven-year-old on the show? Most people agree that it probably won't happen. Who knows? An eleven-year-old could bring a lot of interest to the season.
Who do you think will be on the contestant list for the upcoming season? Be sure to check back for more rumors and the official list as the new season approaches in a couple of months!
