Las Vegas Weekly

March 8, 2010 · 6:32 PM

DWTS photos: Brooke Burke replaces Samantha Harris; more rehearsal pics

By Robin Leach

Brooke Burke and Derek Hough.

Photo: ABC TV

Congratulations to Brooke Burke, the Season 7 Dancing With the Stars champion with former Las Vegas resident Derek Hough, who will be the new co-host of the hit ABC series. Host Tom Bergeron made the announcement this morning on Good Morning America without Brooke, who’s on a safari vacation in Africa with her family.

Her marriage to Dr. Garth Fisher ended in 2006, and she has been romantically linked with former Baywatch actor David Charvet since then. Brooke, a 38-year-old mother of four, replaces Samantha Harris, who announced her departure in January.

Brooke, who is a regular Las Vegas visitor and friend, also hosted E!’s Wild On, Rock Star INXS and Supernova. “She’ll be able to talk to the couples backstage with the perspective of having been there herself,” Tom said.

Here in Brooke’s own words from Africa on her blog and Twitter is her reaction to today’s announcement: “Today is one of the most exciting days ever! With the exception of my family and children, today tops the list of all my professional endeavors! I was sworn to secrecy until the GMA announcement and the ABC press release went out. So now that it’s public … I am thrilled beyond words to have landed the co-host gig for Dancing With the Stars!

“I heard the news while David and I were having dinner in Africa. It was already a magical evening, but the great news made it even more memorable. I was actually scared to call my manager, because I really wanted this job. I rarely put myself out there emotionally in my business because talent aside, most decisions are political, complicated and completely out of my hands. This particular opportunity is special to me because I know the ballroom like the back of my hand. Also, Tom will be a joy to work with, but mostly, I never thought I’d get another chance to put on my dancing shoes after Derek and I won. You can bet I’ll be sneaking them on a time or two underneath my glamorous gowns! LOL!

“I had so much support from my friends, business team, creative artists and my family. It has been an amazing experience to feel that kind of faith from many different directions. We are all celebrating together. I also want to share that I am so lucky to be able to work in a space that I am passionate about and one that is authentic to my experience. DWTS is a lot like Modern Mom for me. I know what it’s like to step out there on the dance floor, on a whim and a prayer, trying to pull off the impossible. Sort of like motherhood, right? I’ll see you there March 22. This time a lot less stressed!”

Meantime, ABC released new photos of the remaining cast members -- Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson, Vancouver Winter Olympics gold medalist Evan Lysacek and Beverly Hills 90210 actress Shannen Doherty -- in rehearsal for the series premiere March 22. This now completes the first photos of rehearsals. Pamela has begun her intense rehearsal schedule, and in accord with her unfettered dress code, she’s wearing only a one-piece body stocking. Naturally, her outfits for the dance numbers will be brief and revealing!

Vegas DeLuxe will continue to monitor all the latest news on the show, and of course will resume regular live posts when the show begins broadcasting in two weeks.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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