"Dancing with the Stars" -- Season 31 Is Already Making News

While the show will undergo a venue change, moving from ABC's linear channel to streamer Disney+, host Tyra Banks will return, and the judging panel will remain intact with Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough all returning to the fold. There is also a new co-host: Alfonso Ribeiro, who as a competitor won the season 19 mirror ball trophy.

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Having previous dance experience has always been a topic of conversation regarding anyone competing on the show, and how this might provide an unfair advantage. Unless you are Sean Spicer, who competed on season 28 (and whose only dance experience was sidestepping questions from reporters as White House Press Secretary), having no dance experience hasn't proved problematic for winners like Bindi Irwin (season 21) and Bobby Bones (season 27). But for those that do, being seen as having an unfair advantage isn't altogether fair. Consider Charlie's Angels star Cheryl Ladd, who is no stranger to the world of variety show television after hosting her own specials and appearing as a guest on numerous others throughout her career. "It [doesn't help] very much, because this is an entirely new animal," she shared of her prior experience after the cast reveal. "Each cha cha, or whatever the dance is, is so specific to execute properly that it is going to be a challenge. But we're having a lot of fun."

Reality star Teresa Giudice enters the competition with a clean slate, having never danced at all. But she hopes some of the experiences enjoyed by her four daughters (whom she enrolled in dance school at a young age) rubs off. "I wouldn't say [no experience] is an advantage," she said. "But I'm gonna try my best and give it my all. I did place third in my bikini fitness competition, so if I make it that far I'd be happy."

Last season saw JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson make history competing as the show's first same-sex couple. This season the addition of drag superstar Shangela only furthers the series' embrace of inclusivity. "I was like, sign me in, I'm gonna live my best life!" beamed pro dancer Gleb Savchenko of his partner. "I was absolutely thrilled and still am," echoed Shangela. "My jaw was literally on the floor. I mean, to be on Dancing with the Stars! Growing up and always loving to dance, to now have this amazing platform to compete and do something -- I'm living my best life like Gleb!" However, there's one amendment to Shangela's contract she would like changed, concerning the possibility of keeping the wardrobe. "If that's not in there, I need it amended! I've seen the costumes on this show, and they are right up Shangela's alley!"

This season also adds inspirational contestants courtesy of Selma Blair and Daniel Durant. Blair has been very public regarding to her battle with multiple sclerosis and hopes her participation inspires others. "I'm feeling great," she revealed. "I don't have dance experience, but once I decided it wasn't dangerous, I thought, 'I can do this.' We do things we want to find joy in. I have to be careful with stamina, as it is a chronic illness. There's a learning curve for all of us, whether we have a disability or not, when trying something new. These are all things that I am embracing, and I hope others can learn, too."

Durant, star of the Academy Award-winning movie CODA, who is deaf, did reach out to his co-star Marlee Matlin for advice, as she had previously competed as the show's first deaf contestant in season six. "I love Marlee and we're so close," he revealed. "She's like my mom, so when I got on Dancing with the Stars, I secretly told her. She was so thrilled, and we got on FaceTime right away. She started telling me, 'You need to do this and this; you need to work out and get dance classes. I took all her advice. I feel like she's my biggest fan on this show right now and she's great."

Season 31 of Dancing with the Stars will debut live on Disney+ on Monday, September 19.

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