Dancing with the Stars 2016 Cast Includes Mischa Barton, Geraldo Rivera and Marla Maples

Another season of Dancing with the Stars is upon us, and as usual the recruits are familiar for reasons that only add to the mechanics of what makes this show so damn entertaining.

This time we will be entertained by the foot work of actress Mischa Barton, who never quite matched the career trajectory of her co-stars from the hit show, The O.C.

Looks like things might change for the better as she takes a chance to show audiences what she’s really made up of with the assistance of partner, Artem Chigvintsev.

Another surprise addition has to be Marla Maples, the former wife of Donald Trump who has amassed a respectable resume as a stage actress – having been in Broadway productions like The Will Rogers Follies and Love, Loss and What I Wore. Maples has also been in several TV shows and movies, so based on her experience she should comfortably navigate the requirements of her latest gig. But we have a feeling that her past association with Trump, with whom she has a grown daughter Tiffany, will be a distracting force for her and partner, Tony Dovolani.

Geraldo Rivera who is best known for his journalistic zeal and outspoken and often times brutal honesty is also challenging his skills on the dance floor and his lucky side kick, Edyta Sliwinska will no doubt have a lot of fun watching the newsman fall on his face as he tries in vain to keep up. Or maybe we will be introduced to a side of Rivera that will make him remarkably endearing.

The rest of the cast boasts a unique blend of nostalgic flavors, which is in line with what producers consistently aim for. Child star, Kim Fields, best known for playing the adorable Tootie on Facts of Life and the self-centered “Regine” on Living Single, is moving from The Real Housewives of Atlanta to the dance floor of ABC. She and partner Sasha Farber will glide to the roving eyes of the judges who hopefully won’t be too harsh – since it’s clear based on her stint in the Housewives genre – she has a hard time accommodating criticism.

Wanya Morris belted out staples like “I’ll Make Love To You”, “End of the Road” and “On Bended Knee” with his comrades who comprised of the 90’s R&B group, Boyz II Men. He will now have to prove that his ability to hit the high notes will also translate to the ballroom. He is partnered with Lindsay Arnold and we are already rooting for their victory.

Jodie Sweeten who is already enjoying a major comeback with Netflix’s full commitment to Fuller House – a revisited version of the highly popular Full House where she is known as the scatter brained Stephanie Tanner, is also onboard and will duke it out with the assistance of Keo Motsepe.

ABC’s weather expert, Ginger Zee may not be able to forecast how well she will perform with her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy but she can always hope for sunny skies.

UFC fighter, Paige VanZant, supposedly spent her childhood kicking her heels in her parents dance studio back in Oregon so perhaps her partner in crime, Mark Ballas won’t have much to worry about.

Actor and model, Nyle DiMarco, Heisman Trophy winner, Doug Flutie, and Denver Broncos linebacker, Von Miller round up the cast.

The show will bring back long time host Tom Bergeron and former contestant and season 10 finalist, Eric Andrews to keep dancers and judges in line. Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli are also expected to resume their duties.

Last season, Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late “Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin and partner Derek Hough took home the ultimate prize.

Whoever wins this time around is anybody’s guess but something tells us that this could be of the most explosive seasons yet.