We are creeping up on the official announcement of the cast of Dancing With the Stars. While ABC will not comment on casting rumors, there have been a couple more leaks since the last time we updated on this upcoming 22nd season of the show. Here's what we know right now.
Entertainment Tonight announced that they learned Nyle DiMarco- the winner of America's Next Top Model will be given the chance to take over the dance floor the way he did the runway. Nyle DiMarco is a 26-year-old model, who also happens to be deaf. This will not be the first time a deaf person has competed on Dancing With the Stars. Oscar winner and Celebrity Apprentice contestant, Marlee Matlin, competed with her dance partner Fabian Sanchez, and made it all the way to being the sixth couple to be eliminated. Nyle is said to be paired with Peta Murgatroyd, according to PureDWTS.
ET also said that 46-year-old actress, Kim Fields will be dancing this season. Children of the '80s might remember her as Tootie Ramsey from The Facts of Life, and reality show fans have probably seen her on The Real Housewives of Atlanta this year.
PureDWTS also revealed that 21-year-old, mixed martial artist, Paige VanZant will be paired with Mark Ballas. Jodie Sweetin, known to Full House and Fuller House fans as Stephanie Tanner, is set to dance with Keo Motsepe. Apparently she had wanted to dance with Val, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Maks and Val did make an appearance in Fuller House in a comical scene. We also got to see some of Sweetin's dance moves. She has talent and a fan base, so that should take her far.
There has also been confirmation that Julianne Hough will not return as a judge to Dancing With the Stars. She told ET, "I will miss being on the panel for Season 22, but have a lot of exciting stuff coming that I look forward to sharing. The pro dancers, producers and crew at DWTS will always be my family."
Her brother, Derek Hough, will not be returning to dance this season, and will instead be focusing on his Broadway role in Singing in the Rain. He said of his sister that it was time for her to leave the judges' table. "I think she did three great seasons, and it's time for her to go. She's got great things on the horizon, and she's doing great things. Len [Goodman]'s coming back, and so, you know, I think four judges feels a little redundant anyways, so I think it's the right thing to do."
"Dancing with the Stars" Season 22 premieres March 21. We're about a week away from the official announcement on ABC's Good Morning America. The announcement will be made live on March 8th. Is there anyone who you really want to see? Let us know in the comments!
