Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE! Could These Soap Stars Be Ready For DWTS?

Published by
Michael Maloney

The newest celebrity cast for Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 6 on Good Morning America on ABC. Will a soaper be on the roster of stars competing for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy?

Soap Hub certainly thinks the show is overdue. The last time a daytime star competed on the show was in Season 19 when Antonio Sabato Jr. (ex-Jagger, General Hospital) was paired with two-time DWTS champ Cheryl Burke.

We spoke to DWTS executive producer Deena Katz to see if soap fans will have a sudsy reason to tune in this season.

Fan Favorites
“I think you’re right,” Katz says. “It should be time [we have a soap star on the show].” The exec knows fully well the devotion soap fans have to their favorite stars.

Katz’s mother is the late Barbara Esensten, an Emmy-winner, whose writing credits include Guiding Light, All My Children, and The City.

“I see those fans and they’re like fans of sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys or the Pittsburgh Steelers,” says Katz.

Timing Is Everything
Katz’s respect for daytime talent is only half the battle. Securing deals with celebs isn’t easy given previous commitments and work schedules. Past contestants from AMC, Cameron Mathison (ex-Ryan) and Susan Lucci (ex-Erica), were in heavy storylines when they competed on the show.

“Susan and Cameron would fly back and forth [from LA to New York],” Katz recalls. “We do have to find the right person and it’s hard for them because they have to work so much, sometimes every single day.”

Star Power
Dance pros who have been paired with daytime stars in the past enjoy a side perk — they’re often invited onto the soap that their celeb is appearing. Tony Dovolani did a cameo on AMC with Lucci.

Both Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Val Chmerkovskiy appeared on GH thanks to Val being paired with Season 1 winner Kelly Monaco (Sam) during the All-Star Season.

It’s arguable that the dance pros’ popularity can be eclipsed by some of the celebs they teach to dance.

“The dancers are the family of the show,” Katz says. “The celebs who all come on are fantastic and people want to watch their journey, but year after year the fans of our show see the dancers. Season to season, the core is our dancers.”

Dancing With the Stars Season 25 premieres Monday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Share your thoughts, leave a comment in the section below. For more soap opera spoilers updates and news, join the conversation on our Facebook page!

Load more...
Share
Published by
Michael Maloney
Tags: Cameron Mathison Kelly Monaco Susan Lucci

Recent Posts

  • Days of Our Lives Spoilers

Days of our Lives Spoilers Weekly Video Preview November 25-29: Doug Dies, Hope Cries, Julie Says a Poignant Goodbye

Family and friends cope with the sad news of Doug's death on Days of our… Read More

19 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

Young and the Restless’ Courtney Hope Takes Step For High-Flying New Gig

The actress who plays Sally Spectra on The Young and the Restless joked that she's… Read More

20 hours ago
  • Recaps

Weekly Young and the Restless Recap November 18-22: Sharon’s Confession, Phyllis’ Vow, & Billy’s Next Move

Sharon confessed to killing Heather and causing Phyllis' car accident, and Billy made a relationship… Read More

20 hours ago
  • News & Rumors

Who is the Worst Dad on General Hospital?

So many candidates to consider. Read More

20 hours ago
  • Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers Video Preview November 25-29: Ridge Confronts Carter, Remy’s Eerie Promise

B&B spoilers for November 25-29 preview that Carter faces Ridge's wrath. Read More

20 hours ago