Dancing with the Stars

Andy Richter is used to being Conan O'Brien's sidekick, but now he's coming to back up Hilaria Baldwin's ... defending her against the internet "mean girls" she blames for her "Dancing with the Stars" ousting.

We caught up with the actor-comedian in Los Angeles Wednesday outside the 'DWTS' rehearsal studio, where he told us ... "I've read some pretty terrible stuff about her, and I just don't think that's necessary. People can have their opinions, but I just don't think there's any reason to be mean in a dance competition."

He added ... "People can be pretty mean on the internet."

Robert Irwin's emotional dance on "Dancing with the Stars" left no dry eyes in the ballroom ... as he paid homage to his mother.

The 21-year-old and his partner took the floor to Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart" ... all part of the show's "Dedication Night," when celebs pay tribute to someone special.

In his confessional, Robert explained how his mom, Terri, "always made sure my dad was present in our lives" ... opening up about how he struggled after losing his late father, Steve Irwin. With that, he wanted to show his mother the gratitude he feels for her.

Robert Irwin has the ladies all aflutter thanks to his shirtless "Dancing with the Stars" numbers ... but he says he's just here to dance.

We caught up with the 21-year-old heartthrob in Studio City, Los Angeles yesterday, where he told us "it's very flattering" getting all the DMs from a new crop of adoring fans ... but he admitted it's been interesting to navigate.

As the son of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, Robert is fearless in nature ... but don't expect him to go too wild. He says he's turning down Chippendales' offer to perform with them in Las Vegas.

This dancing duo is taking a break from the dance floor and hittin' up Mickey Mouse's streets! 'Dancing With The Stars' partners Alix Earle and Valentin Chmerkovskiy are off to Disneyland in preparation for the show's Disney night, chowing down on iconic Turkey Legs and even grooving with the Mouse himself!

They've been working hard to perfect their cha-cha and quickstep, and now it's time to see if they can waltz their way into a successful show this week!

Melissa Rycroft allegedly claimed to be the victim of a hit-and-run before cops arrested her for driving while intoxicated ... but, they say a witness totally contradicted the claim.

We've obtained a search warrant from law enforcement in Tarrant County, Texas ... which states officers responded to a call just after noon on September 23 -- where they say they found Melissa standing with an off-duty firefighter and swaying.

The officer claims Melissa had "bloodshot eyes, slurred speech" and alleges she "had a slight odor of a metabolized alcoholic beverage" on her breath.

Robert Irwin is quickly becoming a sex symbol ... and now he's been offered a guest spot to show off his rockin' bod at the famed Chippendales.

Here's the deal ... the Australian wildlife conservationist -- and son of the legendary Steve Irwin -- has been killing it on "Dancing with the Stars" ... but a recent shirtless moment really sent fans over the edge.

His chiseled chest also caught the attention of the bosses over at Chippendales in Las Vegas ... and TMZ has learned they sent a pitch to his manager -- who happens to be his mother, Terri Irwin -- asking if Robert wants to come dance in Sin City once the network show is done.

6:10 PM PT -- Melissa's lawyer Bret Martin tells TMZ ... "I want to remind the public of the fundamental principle of our justice system…every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We, as a society, have gotten completely away from this fundamental concept. My Client was arrested  on the allegation of Driving While Intoxicated. An arrest is no indication of guilt."

He continues ... "It is imperative that we closely examine the circumstances of this case-including the conduct of law enforcement, the toxicology results, and the facts surrounding her arrest-before any conclusions are drawn. We respectfully request that the media and the public allow the legal process to unfold, and withhold any judgment whatsoever until all of the evidence has been properly analyzed and presented in a court of law."

Melissa Rycroft was arrested for driving while intoxicated this month ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the former 'Bachelor' star was busted for DWI in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on September 23. We're told she was taken into custody and booked into the local jail, where she sat for 8 hours before being released. She posted a $1,000 bond with a promise to appear in court.

The exact details of her arrest remain unclear at this point, but what is clear .. she's now facing a court date in connection with the charge.

'DWTS' fans thought Danielle Fishel shaded Whitney Leavitt while celebrating another week on the show ... but she says, nope, that ain’t it!

We ran into the "Boy Meets World" star after 'DWTS' practice Wednesday ... she said the show’s an emotional rollercoaster -- you’re hyped to stick around with your pals, but bummed when friends get the boot.

Danielle says she wasn’t throwing shade at all ... she was just trying to comfort her pals Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong after they got the axe ... which meant she had to pause Whitney’s celebrations.

Can you guess which Hollywood hunk put his shredded bod on full display in this dirty-hot shot?! Here are a few clues ...

He posted the photo with the caption, "Love getting dirty!" -- and his tool was dangling by his side. Some of his past "Dancing with the Stars" partners include Simone Biles and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy is doing some of his own verbal dance moves, walking back comments he made about his brother's "Dancing with the Stars" partner, Alix Earle.

Maksim tells TMZ ... his prior criticisms of the Alix not putting enough emotion into her initial performance this season, thereby hindering the couple's performance, were premature ... 'cause she kicked ass the next time out!

We got 'DWTS' icon on Thursday in Calabasas, California, where he hosted a party for his Tetya KAPA Napa Valley Vodka ... and he shared thoughts on who has the best chance to win it all this season ... spoiler -- he thinks Alix and his brother Val have damn fine odds.

Danielle Fishel is promising fans her leg injury sustained while rehearsing on "Dancing with the Stars" looks worse than it feels ... and that's really good to hear ... 'cause it looks wicked!

Here's the deal ... the "Boy Meets World" star recently revealed she "snapped a tendon" in her right leg during practice ... but she didn't need surgery and will be able to keep competing.

On Friday, Danielle dropped a short video on the 'Gram that showed severe bruising in her leg ... with the caption, "I promise my leg feels better than it looks 😂"

Is it Thursday ... Or is THIRSTday?! Either way professional dancers Sasha Farber and Julianne Hough are dukin' it out in their white tanks, but which sexy star are you handing the Mirror Ball trophy to? They're both bringin' the heat, but the question here is:

Who'd You Rather?!

VOTE NOW!

Just one week into Season 34 of "Dancing With The Stars," and viral superstar Alix Earle is lettin' her fellow competitors know, not to mess with her dancing-ready bod ...

The 24-year-old blonde bombshell took some BTS from the 'DWTS' premiere to her recent Instagram post, "pretend like u can’t tell that these are timer cam photos I took in the bathroom."

On the red carpet, Earle snapped a shot with fan-favorite Dylan Efron -- who's reality TV streak includes his win on Peacock's "The Traitors."

Hilaria Baldwin is happy to get back to her ballroom roots on "Dancing With the Stars" ... so much so, she practically burst into tears after her big debut.

Check it out ... an emotional Hilaria chokes back tears while celebrating her stellar Cha Cha routine with Gleb Savchenko.

When host Julianne Hough asks Hilaria to explain her teary-eyed reaction, the yoga instructor explains she never thought she'd be here, given she said "goodbye" to ballroom dance 16 years ago after a hip injury.

Longtime "Dancing With the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba will be MIA from tonight's premiere episode ... announcing her decision in a surprising social media update.

Check it out ... the famed choreographer posted on her Instagram ahead of the season 34 premiere on Tuesday, writing she was feeling "quite under the weather" -- and so, had decided to take a pass on filming.

Though fans of 'DWTS' can expect Inaba to return to the ballroom sooner rather than later, as she's currently "resting up" in the hope of appearing on next week's episode.

Can you see through our sneaky switcharoos in these two photos of Derek Hough?! Before the Hollywood hottie hits the ballroom, he made a pit stop! Who's ready to tackle the changes?! The clock's ticking!

The dancing pro was in New York City earlier this week -- making the media rounds to promote his big return as judge on "Dancing With The Stars." Hough hunk-ed out in a form-fitting polo and khaki trousers.