Dancing with the Stars to hit NZ screens

Dancing With the Stars saw former politician Rodney Hide earn the nickname, the 'dancing potato'.

A new series of Dancing with the Stars is due to hit New Zealand screens later this year.

The Herald reported the return of the top-rating series last week but MediaWorks refused to confirm reports at the time. Last night, the broadcaster confirmed the return of the series, which previously screened on TVNZ.

The show will feature 10 Kiwi celebrities each paired with a professional dancer.

Each couple will be scrutinised by a judging panel and fans of the show, ahead of weekly eliminations.

The judges' scores combined with viewer votes will determine who remains on the show and the eventual series' winners.

"This new local series of Dancing with the Stars is going to be fantastic," Andrew Szusterman, MediaWorks group entertainment content director, said.

"It's set to be packed with more stars, dancing and drama than ever before."

MediaWorks said tonight a specific launch date for the series had not yet been set.

Contestants on the show are due to be "announced at a later date".

The series was a ratings-winner for MediaWorks rival TVNZ when it screened on TV One between 2005-2009, providing memorable moments such as former Act leader Rodney Hide being described as a "dancing potato". He also hit headlines when he dropped his dance partner Krystal Stuart, leading to his elimination from the show.

It was hosted by Jason Gunn and Candy Lane with judges including Brendan Cole, Craig Revel Horwood and Alison Leonard.

Previous winners include Norm Hewitt, Lorraine Downes, Suzanne Paul, Temepara George and Tamati Coffey.

Dancing with the Stars joins TV3's growing collection of reality shows which includes The X Factor, The Bachelor NZ and The Block.

The network is also working on a New Zealand version of Grand Designs and a new season of Masterchef, which previously screened on TV One.

- nzherald.co.nz