By Scott Collins, Los Angeles Times –
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Bristol Palin is back. So is Kirstie Alley. ABC on Friday announced the 12 cast members for this fall’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
It’s not a new lineup, however, but a return of celebrities from the previous cycles of the show.
Palin and Alley — two of the most attention-grabbing contestants of recent years — are among those scooting back to the dance floor.
Palin, an activist and the daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, bestowed high ratings on the show during her run two years ago. Alley is the former “Cheers” costar known for her battles with her weight.
Other contestants include previous “DWTS” winners Kelly Monaco, Drew Lachey, Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Helio Castroneves and Shawn Johnson. Melissa Rycroft, Joey Fatone and Pamela Anderson also will return.
Rounding out the cast will be a “wild card” pick selected by the audience, chosen from previous contestants Carson Kressley, Kyle Massey and Sabrina Bryan.
“DWTS” is ABC’s most-watched series, although its ratings fluctuate depending on the cast. The new roster seems designed to remedy that with proven audience favorites.