Among the facts learned during the post-announcement Q&A, Gladys Knight confessed she joined the show because of “the Pips,” her famous backup singers.
“They never let me dance,” Knight explained. Jaleel White said he was persuaded to join by his mother, who considers this her favorite show. “View” co-host Barbara Walters got a shout-out, with Sherri Shepherd proclaims she’s “petrified,” and “I need Barbara Walters!”
Check out the list of the full cast:
* “Melrose Place” and “ General Hospital” star Jack Wagner, 52, who’s best known nowadays as Heather Locklear’s ex-fiance. He’ll be partnered with pro Anna Trebunskaya.
* Melissa Gilbert, 57, is best known as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” a staple in American living rooms from 1974 to 1983. Gilbert’s pro partner is Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
* Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, 37, who’s looking to add a mirror ball trophy to his Super Bowl ring.
* Telenovela star William Levy, known as “The Brad Pitt of Mexico” and a former J.Lo video boytoy. He is paired up with Cheryl Burke.
* Sherri Shepherd, 44, is an actress-turned-co-host on “The View.” Her partner is Maksim’s younger brother, Val Chmerkovskiy.
* Katherine Jenkins, an opera star who returns to “Dancing With the Stars” twelve seasons after performing there on stage. Jenkins is matched with pro Mark Ballas.
* Pop singer Gavin Degraw, 35, the voice behind the hits, “I Don’t Want to Be” and “In Love With a Girl.” He gets to fall in love with the teachings of Karina Smirnoff.
* Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, 55, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles. Her new doubles partner is Tony Dovolani.
* Disney Channel “Shake It Up” star Roshon Fegan is the youngest contestant at 20. He gets to learn from Chelsie Hightower, who returns to the show after a season off.
* “Extra” host Maria Menounos, 33, who has shown she looks good in a Giants-themed bathing suit, is paired with the almost-as-pretty Derek Hough.
* Jaleel White, 36, is better known to a certain generation as Steve Urkel from “Family Matters.” His partner is Kym Johnson.
* Motown staple and eight-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight, 67. She landed Nancy Grace’s former partner, Tristan MacManus.
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