‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 29 Cast Rumors: Controversial Figure ‘Flattered’ By Request

They made waves when they brought President Trump’s former Press Secretary Sean Spicer to the dance floor in Season 28 of “Dancing With the Stars,” and it looks like the show is at least attempting to make the same kind of casting decisions when it comes to Season 29 as well.

The show, which is expected to air this Fall on ABC provided production is able to go on as scheduled despite the Pandemic, is starting to try and shape up a lineup of celebrities to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. While they were able to confirm former “Bachelorette” Kaitlyn Bristowe, their attempts at another semi-political figure have fallen flat, with producers reportedly considering reaching out to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who has become the face of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Unfortunately for “DWTS,” Fauci reportedly plans to turn down any requests to appear on the show, though he feels honored if he is being considered.

“Dr. Fauci has not received a formal invitation from ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Dr. Fauci, while flattered, would respectfully decline,” a spokesperson for NIAID told The Daily Mail.

A source for the show also reportedly spoke to the publication, indicating why Dr. Fauci would be a great addition, explaining the logic behind the idea to ask him and revealing that producers aren’t necessarily giving up hope he would participate.

“Dr. Fauci has become a national hero in the last few months, leading the charge for keeping Americans safe at the height of COVID-19,” the source said. “He became not only one of our most trusted faces on television, but also a man viewers looked to as an inspiration. And of course, he could be good for ratings. Like Sean Spicer, he is a lightning rod.”

“So it was a natural step for show executives to reach out to him. Obviously, they are aware that he has work responsibilities, but given that the show is likely to be recorded remotely it allows him the opportunity to train and dance in Washington,” the source added. “The producers will be sad to hear he’s not interested, but they still hold out hope he will change his mind.”

In addition to Fauci, other names that have been floated as contenders include "Tiger King’s” Carole Baskin, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo (who famously battled COVID-19), rocker Vince Neil, Paris Jackson, Christie Brinkley, Ryan Shazier and Charlie Sheen. HGTV Star Jonathan Scott has also expressed interest in competing, while judge Bruno Tonioli made a public appeal for the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, to participate now that she is based in Los Angeles.

As for how the show will air, several different theories have been floated as to the way the show can still go on, and the source told Daily Mail that one thing for certain will be that no live audiences will be in the studio if the show even returns there.

“They still have a few weeks to make a decision about how the partners and their contestants will work together in the week and then perform for the live show. They are figuring out the logistics,” the source said. “Currently there are no plans for a live audience attending the opening show at CBS Studios in Los Angeles. It is too dangerous and obviously a no go for the stars, especially with how hard unions are pushing safety for their clients.”

“Judges too will either remotely present or perhaps attend a socially distanced studio. But ABC are adamant that the show will air despite the problems,” they added.