Dorothy Hamill on 'DWTS': 'What Have I Gotten Myself Into?'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Dorothy Hamill has been named as a member of the brand new cast of "Dancing With The Stars" this year.

Season 16's cast of the popular ABC television series was revealed on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday morning, confirming 56-year-old Hamill's addition. The figure skater is the 1976 Olympic champion in ladies' singles and the 1976 World champion.

"Here's to learning new things in 2013 and having what I know will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life! #DWTS," Hamill posted to Twitter on Tuesday.

A gold medalist, Hamill cited the challenges that lie ahead and joked, "what have I gotten myself into."

"Regardless at the end I'll know that I'll have had one of the best and most memorable experiences in my life," Hamill posted to the social media site.

The figure skating star will partner with "DWTS" professional dancer Tristan MacManus on the television series. It will mark MacManus' fourth season with the show, but the Irish dancer has yet to earn the coveted Mirrorball trophy. His past partners include Nancy Grace, Gladys Knight, and Pamela Anderson.

Joining Hamill on this season of the dancing competition are several notable celebrities, including fellow athletes Aly Raisman and NFL player Jacoby Jones.

Singers Wynonna Judd, 48, and Kellie Pickler, 26, have also joined season 16's cast. The songsters are paired with Tony Dovoloni and Derek Hough, respectively.

Furthermore, comedian D.L. Hughley and actor Ingo Rademacher will hit the dance floor for this season of "DWTS." Hughes is partnered with Cheryl Burke while German star Rademacher will dance with Kym Johnson.

The rest of the cast and their partners include Jacoby Jones paired with Karina Smirnoff, reality television star Lisa Vanderpump is paired with "DWTS" newcomer Gleb Savchenko, while Andy Dick is paired with another "DWTS" newcomer Shara Burgess.

"DWTS" has also welcomed new dancer Lindsay Arnold, who will dance with Victor Ortiz. Disney's Zendaya is paired with Val Chmerkovski, while Aly Raisman is set to dance with Mark Ballas.

"DWTS" will return to ABC on Monday, March 18. The show airs on the network on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST.

Hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet will return for the 16th season, which will likely see many of today's hottest musical acts as guest performers.

Recently, Burke-Charvet announced her diagnosis with thyroid cancer, causing her "DWTS" associates to rally their support. Posts of well wishes flooded Twitter in support of the model and host.