Las Vegas Weekly

March 7, 2009 · 9:30 AM

Is Molly Ringwald steppin’ in for Nancy O’Dell on DWTS?

By Robin Leach

Molly Ringwald in Sweet Charity.

Rumors out of Hollywood indicate that actress Molly Ringwald will be the replacement for injured Nancy O'Dell on Season 8 of Dancing With the Stars premiering Monday. Molly's reportedly joining Holly Madison, who will be the replacement for injured singer Jewel.

I'm told that our local favorites Derek Hough, who is the reigning pro champ, and Denise Richards will dance the cha-cha on the ABC hit Monday and that two-time pro winner Julianne Hough, also the hit series' youngest pro winner, and Steve-O will dance the waltz. Julianne is a former Las Vegas Academy student.

Photo: ABC TV

Professional dancer Dmitry Chaplin choreographs a move for singer-songwriter Jewel in preparation for the eighth season of Dancing With the Stars.

It is unknown what dances Holly and Molly will perform, but because of the dramatic, last-minute injuries, there will be no elimination this week so the newcomers can get in a full week of dance rehearsals.

This morning, just 72 hours before the premiere of DWTS, ABC began airing new commercials confirming that Jewel and Nancy O'Dell are out due to injuries sustained in rehearsals this week.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Holly Madison and Criss Angel.

The overnight, newly edited video clips show Jewel and Nancy and proclaim “two competitors have already been forced out.” It teases the Monday premiere: “Watch to see who takes their place.”

There is no video footage or photo rehearsal stills yet of Criss Angel’s former girlfriend and The Girls Next Door star Holly. Incidentally, on a Criss Angel note, he will be presented with the Magician of the Decade award by the International Society of Magicians at his Cirque du Soleil Believe show at the Luxor tonight.

Share This