Dancing With the Stars makes a NZ comeback

Former Dancing with the Stars champion Lorraine Downes

Dancing With the Stars is joining TV3's growing stable of reality shows, it was reported today.

Local TV website Throng.co.nz reported that "multiple sources" had confirmed a new series of Dancing With the Stars was being made by TV3.

When contacted by the Herald, a Mediaworks spokesperson did not deny the story but said: "We are politely declining to comment".

Five seasons of the top-rating show aired on TV One between 2005-2009, hosted by Jason Gunn and Candy Lane with judges including Brendan Cole, Craig Revel Horwood and Alison Leonard.

The show features well known celebrities teaming up with dance partners to compete in increasingly challenging tasks filmed in front of a studio audience.

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

Rumours of relationships between celebrities and the contestants would circulate around gossip mags.

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