By Sidney Yates and Russ Weakland, Dailymail.Com
Updated: 2024-06-09 15:06, 2024-06-09 15:06
As “Dancing with the Stars” executives scout for cast members for the upcoming 2024 series, there are some celebrities they're desperate to cast, including Jennifer Lopez's ex-girlfriend, Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
With just a few months until ABC's new season arrives, executives are working tirelessly behind the scenes to sign all the big-name stars who've made headlines throughout the year.
These include Jennifer Lopez's ex-partners Cris Judd and Casper Smart, who have been in the spotlight in recent weeks amid speculation that her marriage to Ben Affleck is in disarray.
Joining them will be Gypsy Rose, a recently released felon who has been a media sensation since her release from prison in late December.
A source close to the show told DailyMail.com exclusively that all the names in the rumors will be on the radar of executives hoping to sign popular talent to boost ratings.
They said: “Dancing with the Stars always overbooks its performers and tries to sign someone until the last minute.”
“Producers are in constant discussion with the stars throughout the year to coordinate schedules.
“They're also waiting for certain events, like the Olympics this summer, to finish to see who's trending and who's a good fit.”
“Anyone who has been in the news or will be in the news will definitely be asked. Because this is an election year, anyone associated with Biden or Trump will be asked, as well as TikTok stars.”
“But Jennifer Lopez's exes Cris Judd and Casper Smart may be in for a double whammy this year, as their relationship histories and dancing skills make for great entertainment.”
The source continued, “As higher-ups plan the next season, they will have Joan Vasos in their sights and will automatically make the selection, with the help of other ABC shows like the Bachelor franchise.”
“They also have a direct line to Bravo, and because ABC is part of Disney, they can ask for all sorts of favors.”
“The show is also courting Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who is a high-profile presence that would garner ratings, as well as someone from the cast of 'Baby Reindeer.'”
“This show will generate controversy. It will question everyone who has ever been in the spotlight or will be in the spotlight, including Caitlin Clark, even if it means a firm 'no' that will never be given, as it was with Shohei Ohtani.”
Let's take a look at the talent productions vying for a spot on DWTS 2024.
JLo's ex-boyfriends Cris Judd and Casper Smart
First up are Jennifer Lopez's ex-boyfriends Chris and Casper, who are thought to have suddenly become interested in the pair following media speculation that Jennifer and Ben's marriage was in crisis.
Chris and Jennifer met in the late 2000s when Chris was hired as a dancer for Jennifer's music video “Love Don't Cost a Thing.”
The relationship progressed quickly and the two were married on September 29, 2001.
However, this passionate romance did not last long, and the couple separated in June 2002. Their divorce was finalized the following year.
Chris then married Kelly A. Wolf in Laguna Beach, California in November 2009, and their first child, a daughter named Vivienne, was born in September 2013.
In a 2019 interview, Chris admitted that the former couple had stayed out of each other's lives following their divorce.
“Oh, I'm not related to her at all,” he said at the time. “I just want her to be happy.”
JLo met Casper, who is 13 years her junior, in 2011, when he was working as a backup dancer on one of her tours.
The former couple was together for five years but split for good in August 2016.
A year after their split, Casper seemed to hint that they'd ended their relationship amicably, saying, “I just want the best and love, you know?”
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark has taken the basketball world by storm this year. After becoming the all-time leading scorer (male or female) in Division I history.
She was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in April's WNBA draft and her career has skyrocketed.
In April, DailyMail.com reported that Kaitlyn, 22, had been offered a spot on DWTS.
At the time, sources said she had refused to appear in the series, but producers persisted.
“She's had every offer she could accept,” a source exclusively told DailyMail.com.
“Producers of Dancing with the Stars asked Kaitlyn to appear on the show, but she politely declined.”
“She's focused on the WNBA this summer, and once DWTS returns in the fall, Kaitlyn will dive into other opportunities to pursue those goals.”
“She's not opposed to being on a reality TV show, but unfortunately for ABC, DWTS isn't going to be an option. They really wanted her and would have made every effort to get her on the show, but it's not going to happen.”
Will she be tempted to try out for the ball?
Baby Reindeer Cast
Breakout “Baby Reindeer” stars Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning have also caught the attention of DWTS executives after the show quickly captivated the world.
Richard, who wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed Netflix series based on a true story, will play the title character under the name Donnie Dunn, while Jessica will play Richard's real-life stalker, Fiona Harvey, as Martha Scott.
The seven-part show premiered on Netflix on April 11, 2024 and almost instantly became a huge hit on the streaming giant.
Since its release, “Baby Reindeer” has been viewed more than 56 million times as of May 8, making it Netflix's most popular content of the year.
The show is also on track to become Netflix's most-streamed show of all time, so naturally, DWTS executives are eager to cash in on the show's success by signing one of its cast members.
In addition to “Baby Reindeer” being a ratings success, the show has recently been in the spotlight after it was revealed that the real-life Martha filed a lawsuit against Netflix for $170 million in damages. Martha claims that the show allowed viewers to track her down in real life, and that she is now being inundated with abuse.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Otani is also on the list of players DWTS producers are hoping to sign.
The popular baseball player made headlines in March after it was revealed that his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen $17 million from him to pay off gambling debts.
Ippei is alleged to have bet on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL and college football.
At the time, Shohei broke his silence about the scandal, saying he was “deeply saddened and shocked” that the interpreter had stolen from him.
“I have never bet on baseball or any other sport, nor have I asked anyone to bet on my behalf, nor have I used a bookmaker,” he said.
“The bottom line is that Ippei stole money from my account and lied.”
Mizuhara recently pleaded guilty to bank fraud and signing false tax returns and could face more than 30 years in prison.
It was recently announced that this shocking story will be adapted into a television series.
The show will explore Ohtani's journey to become one of the most famous baseball players in the world and the scandals that have rocked his career.
Joan Vassos
“Golden Bachelorette” star Joan Vassos is also expected to compete in the new series.
Last month, the 61-year-old reality TV star was announced as ABC's first ever Golden Bachelorette after appearing on the ABC network's season of “The Golden Bachelor.”
On the show, she competed for the heart of Jerry Turner, but ultimately decided to leave early to care for her daughter.
Joan, a private school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, was married to her husband, John, for 32 years until his death in 2021 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The couple had four children, and Joan is now a grandmother to two.
In her free time, she enjoys listening to Elton John's music, cooking, and spending time with her dog.
The first Golden Bachelor debuted last year and garnered the franchise's largest multiplatform viewership since 2020, according to Variety.
Joanne's new series airs on Wednesdays this fall, but maybe she'll find some free time in her schedule to try out her ballroom dancing skills on DWTS.
