Will You Be Watching?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

21 Jul 2007 12:33 PM

"Dancing with the Stars" fans rejoice---ABC is trying to capitalize on America's dance fever by spinning-off the popular show. According to TV insiders, the network is developing another dance-themed show starring "Dancing with the Stars'" judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

The new project is reportedly based on the BBC series, "Dance X," where big wigs in the music industry choose singers and dancers for a new musical troupe. In the American version, instead of serving as judges, Tonioli and Inaba will reportedly act as coach-choreographers on the show. Word has it the outspoken pair will come up with "big, brassy" production numbers. However, insiders say the focus of the show will be on the rivalry between Tonioli and Inaba and not so much on the competitors.

Tonioli and Inaba will reportedly head up opposing teams of performers and viewers will get to vote on their favorite team following a dance-floor showdown each week. The week's losing team will be forced to drop one member, to be chosen by Tonioli or Inaba.

ABC execs say the new show is slated to air in January.

So we know Rosie O'Donnell won't be appearing on "Celebrity Apprentice," but you had to know that she wouldn't be gone from the small screen forever. According to TV Guide, the former "View" co-host will be reprising her role as Dawn Budge on FX's "Nip/Tuck," and she'll also be flexing her acting muscle on NBC's football drama, "Friday Night Lights."

The show's executive producer says he learned that O'Donnell was a huge fan of the show by watching her on "The View."

"Usually we don't do any stunt casting, but we have a character coming up - six or seven episodes into the new season; of a female soccer coach who is really angry about all of the school's resources going to football. It's a really funny character and I think she'd be perfect for it," the show's producer told TV Guide.

O'Donnell's camp would only say that wheels are in motion, but "nothing is definite." "Friday Night Lights" producers say O'Donnell's appearance would only be for a single episode... unless fans really embraced her new role.

If O'Donnell takes the gig she may need to gear up for some competition... rumor has it network execs are trying to get Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong to appear on the show as well.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Tristi Pinkston (10839) 21 Jul 2007 01:07 PM

Hmmmm -- I don't know about the dancing show. I think they should just stick with the ones they have -- we're becoming so unindated with reality shows that it's lessening how cool they were to begin with. That said, I'll probably give it a try.

I'm still nursing my wounds over Mario. :)

Michele Cheplic (37339) 22 Jul 2007 11:27 PM

LOL Tristi! I'm afraid to watch... for fear I may like it and get hooked.