"Dancing" Dumps Old Cloris for Heartache Toni

For "Dancing with the Stars," heart trouble makes for a better handicap than old age.

82-year-old Oscar-winner Cloris Leachman was originally courted by "DWTS" honchos, we've learned, because they needed someone for the "disability" slot -- think Heather Mills (one leg) or Marlee Maltin (deaf). They figured her age would fit the bill -- until they got Toni Braxton, who has a heart condition, to sign on, as TMZ first told you. That's when they put Cloris' dancing shoes ... six feet under.

Launch photosBTW: We also hear "DWTS" peeps are over the moon that Jewel and rodeo dude Ty Murray -- who are both in the mix for next season -- just eloped in the Bahamas, because the whole boyfriend versus girlfriend storyline they wanted to exploit just got amped up to husband-wife. And we know how married couples can get.

And get this: The Lance Bass rumors? Half true. Yes, he''s definitely on, but no, he won't mambo with a man.

An ABC rep tells TMZ, "We don't comment on casting rumors, but the official cast will be announced on August 25th on ''Good Morning America.'"



Tags: Cloris Leachman, ClorisLeachman, contestants, Dancing with the Stars, DancingWithTheStars, DWTS, Toni Braxton, ToniBraxton

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(Page 2 of 6) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. Yes. Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin were (and are) married when they were on the show.....the only difference is that Lisa was on one season and Harry the next. My recollection is that Lisa was verrrrrry supportive of Harry's being on the show and Harry was the season before.

Posted at 7:44AM on Aug 9th 2008 by gemhasown

17. Yes, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin were both on DWTS, but not on the same year. I think he was on one year after she was.

Posted at 8:16AM on Aug 9th 2008 by sapphire4820

18. I would love to see Kim Delaney on DWTS. She is an ageless (50 years old) and graceful beauty. Oh and while you're at it, bring in the rest of the Army Wives... they're all gorgeous!!!!

Posted at 8:19AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Kalipsew

19. DWTS is my favorite show. I looked forward to it until I heard that Lance Bass would be on. Not at all happy about his appearance. Relieved to know he will NOT be dancing with a man but still the fact that he is there leaves a cloud over the whole show. Why would they want to jeopardize the popularity of the show? Why do producers of any show want to shove this life style down our throats? This show is geared to "family" and has finally been able to gather the children and parents together in a room to watch it. It has been entertaining and has brought ballroom dance back. But to have him as a "star" can change the whole spirit of the show. I am very disappointed in whomever is responsible for hiring him. There are an enormous group of stars out there who could have appeared. Many have been suggested right here on comments.
If they are looking for an even wider range of viewers, I doubt that will happen. In fact, this decision to add him to the dancers is the beginning of the end for that show. And that is a sad comment.

Posted at 9:27AM on Aug 9th 2008 by M. Aletta

20. Does anyone really watch this pathetic show?

Posted at 9:29AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Skippy

21. LANCE IS GAY. WE LIKE IT WHEN WE THINK THE COUPLES ARE GETTING IT ON. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WITH LANCE. HE'S GAY GAY GAY. I WILL NOT WATCH IF HE IS ON.

Posted at 9:49AM on Aug 9th 2008 by JEANIE

22. I wanted to agree with comment #19 from A Aletta. about the producers of T.V shows shoving the gay life style down the viewers throats, and before I could finish it was removed. This just proves you don't really care about viewers comments unless they agree with you. DWTS is also my favorite show but like many others will probably be removed from my viewing list because I do not accept that life style as "alright" and will not continue to watch a show that exploits it. Jlou

Posted at 10:01AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Jlou

23. Cloris Leachman is too good to be on DWTS. She is an Oscar winner and 8 time Emmy winner (the most for any femake performer). She is a terrific actress and doesn't need to lower herself with all the other has-beens, never-weres and pseudo celebrities.

Posted at 10:03AM on Aug 9th 2008 by artcojax

24. How can Paula be on the show? She was a professional dancer.. that should automatically disqualify her. DWTS seems to get "stars" who need a boost to their careers. Most were floundering on "has been" status then after the show, they've had an elevated status with new "jobs" Tatum, got the tv movie, John got a game show etc. I'd like to see John Stamos or an ER cast member on.

Posted at 10:01AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Kat

25. ejk post 3....Lisa and Larry even though are married they were on different seasons. Lisa was on either season 1 or 2 and thinking he would get into the mix Larry came the next season.

Posted at 10:28AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Stacy

26. Lisa Rinna was on DWTS and the next season her husband, Harry Hamlin was on it.

Posted at 10:14AM on Aug 9th 2008 by dwts

27. I love to watch DWTS but I don't like it when "stars" who already are known for Hip Hop (which is dancing) are there to compete with non dancers. I loved it when a race car driver won. I used to teach ballroom 50 years ago (my how it's changed) I will watch whoever is on, but please, no one who is already known for dancing.

Posted at 10:17AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Beverly

28. Actually, I suspect Rhoda has a hand in her replacement :-)

(Admit it, you'd want to dance w/Cloris in her Phyllis Lindstrom days,,,man was she hot then. Made me forgive her for years of bitterness about her "ruining" The Facts Of Life by dethroning Mrs. Garrett)

Posted at 10:40AM on Aug 9th 2008 by James

29. I heard that Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy were going to be on. Can't wait to see what Jenna wears....and if Ron loses weight.

Posted at 10:21AM on Aug 9th 2008 by John C. Holmes

30. good lord, what people wil do for 15 mins of fame. ell have 2 catagories of disabled......lol1

Posted at 10:27AM on Aug 9th 2008 by silly phil

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