The question is no longer who will win Dancing With the Stars, but who will survive it?
In a DWTS first, not one but two contestants have been sidelined with injuries before the new season has even aired.
ABC has just confirmed that Access Hollywood host Nancy O'Dell and singer Jewel will not be a part of the new season due to leg injuries.
O'Dell suffered a twist to her right knee during rehearsals and has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus. Jewel has suffered fractured tibiae in both legs. Ouch, right?
So who will replace the two ladies? We have exclusive confirmation...
As our Marc Malkin reported yesterday, inside sources confirm that Holly Madison of E!'s reality series Girls Next Door will be coming on the dancefloor this season.
And now, Hugh Hefner himself comfirms today to Malkin that his ex-girlfriend Holly has been cast, saying he "made the arrangments" for Madison to replace Jewel on the show.
"It's a show she's wanted to be on for a long time," Hefner tells Malkin. "I'm delighted. It's all good stuff."
The other newbie will be announced on the Dancing With the Stars season premiere on Monday night. And according to ABC, Jewel and O'Dell will appear to talk about their injuries.
Sex and the City hunk Gilles Marini also has been diagnosed with tendonitis in his shoulder and groin.
So far, he's hanging in there.