Dancing with the Stars returns for its second star-studded season live on 10 Sunday, February 9 at 7.30pm where it will be returning to Melbourne which was its previous home when filmed for Channel Seven.
The show sees 10 celebrities paired with professional dancers to compete in a dance competition full of glitz and glamour, to win $50,000 for their chosen charity.
The stars of this season are Claudia Karvan, Ed Kavalee, Celia Pacquola, Chloe Lattanzi, Dean Wells, Travis Cloke, Dami Im, Angie Kent, Beau Ryan and Christian Wilkins.
Network Executive producer Cathie Scott spoke to Mediaweek about the fresh take on a classic format and what 10 has brought to the series.
“There’s always a slightly different approach when making shows for 10. The audience base is young at heart, and our programming reflects that. Or, at least, that’s always the plan. Take traditional current affairs, for example, and now consider The Project. Take traditional lifestyle, then consider The Living Room. We’ve applied those same principles with Masterchef, Survivor and The Amazing Race. And just as those shows have found their own audience and are now part and parcel of our schedule, we’ve very optimistic the same will continue with DWTS. “
Scott says that one of the kets to the shows new must watch appeal is the work of the creative teams at 10 and Warner Brothers Australia.
“Warner Brothers Australia Executive Producer Karen Greene leads an outstanding team of creatives whose expertise in live television production is second to none. Dancing With the Stars Australia is “must watch” Live event television each week and has something for everyone.”
The series is hosted by Amanda Keller and Grant Denyer, and is judged by Craig Revel Horwood, Sharna Burgess and Tristan MacManus.
“Apart from the brilliant energy, enthusiasm and live polish we get from Amanda and Grant, the contestants love the process. Put that together with three very engaged judges and you get a show most of us want to work on. It’s just a lot of fun. Hopefully that’s what the audience at home connect with too. 2020 is shaping up as our best season yet.
“One of the great strengths of the show are our three great Australian judges who are constructive, inclusive and generous with their vast knowledge of dance.”
Scott claims that this year is one of the best casts in the history of the Australian format including, Claudia Karvan, Ed Kavalee and 10 favourite Angie Kent who has featured on Gogglebox Australia, I’m A Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here!, and most recently as the titular Bachelorette Australia although Mediaweek was told that while she can dance, do not expect her to try out her vocal chords anytime soon on The Masked Singer Australia.
Scott also said that the cast is full of surprises and the audience shouldn’t be too quick to judge who they think are going to do well and who are going to be naturals.
“As always the real joy of the show are the contestants who surprise you. There are some people you would assume are great dancers but not as good as you think and there are others who just blow your mind.”
Dancing with the Stars premieres on 10 on Sunday, February 9 at 7.30 pm.