Ryan Lochte is joining the 23rd season of "Dancing With the Stars" in the midst of his Rio Olympic Games 2016 controversy. The 32-year-old competitive swimmer claimed that he was a victim of an armed robbery in Brazil along with three of his teammates but later admitted that he exaggerated his story.
USA Today reported from an unnamed source that Lochte being cast on "Dancing With the Stars" was finalized prior to the Olympics hullabaloo. The American gold medalist's involvement with the ABC competition series comes after four major sponsors let him go: Airweave, Speedo, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Gentle Hair Removal, The Washington Post listed.
His "Dancing With the Stars" stint isn't Lochte's debut in TV series. He starred on E!'s "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" in 2013 and guest starred in "30 Rock" and "90210," according to TVLine.
Other recently announced "Dancing With the Stars" Season 23 cast members are "Little Women: L.A." star Terra Jolé and TV personality Amber Rose, per Us Weekly. Also returning to the competition is pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who last competed on the show in 2014 when he won the Mirrorball Trophy with dance partner Meryl Davis, Entertainment Tonight reported.
Us Weekly also reported from a source that "Dancing With the Stars" producers are hoping to get Olympian young gymnast Simone Biles onboard. The 19-year-old Biles, meanwhile, told the news outlet that joining the show "would be so cool," as long as it fits in her busy schedule.
Other confirmed dance pros competing on "Dancing With the Stars" Season 23 are Val Chmerkovskiy, Artem Chigvintsev, Lindsay Arnold, Witney Carson, Sasha Farber, Sharna Burgess, Allison Holker, and Gleb Savchenko. Expect more pros to be announced soon.
Peta Murgatroyd will be absent this season for her pregnancy, People reported. Kym Johnson, meanwhile, is officially retiring from her dance pro duties on the show. Chmerkovskiy said on "Good Morning America" that it's a good thing that the show is "constantly evolving," and that Season 23 is bound to be a fresh experience because it will feature both classic, seasoned dancers alongside young members of this generation.
Nyle DiMarco is the reigning Mirrorball Trophy winner. The "America's Next Top Model" alum came out on top on Season 22 and defeated UFC star Paige VanZant.
The official cast of "Dancing With the Stars" Season 23 will be announced on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, August 30. The 23rd season will premiere on ABC on Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 PM ET.
