KEY POINTS:
Ratings-winner Dancing With the Stars is set to return to TV One next year and TVNZ is currently lining up the next round of contenders.
After three seasons of the popular dancing series, it's hard to imagine that celebrity-starved New Zealand still has any stars left to take
up the challenge.
We look at potential contenders and why they could be in the running.
THE MAYOR
Auckland mayor John Banks is back in office and trying to reveal his softer side this time around. After three mayoral campaigns, the man is a seasoned campaigner and would no doubt give contenders a stiff run for their money.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has a history in television as the former host of This Is Your Life. As the mayor responsible for stealing the Ellerslie Flower Show from Auckland, Parker has proved he can put up a good fight against the big boys.
THE FORMER SHORTLAND STREET STAR
With so many Shortie stars killed off in recent weeks, there are plenty to choose from. Claire, played by Emily Robins, was the first victim to fall foul of the street killer. In addition to being a former Shortland Streeter, Robins will fulfil the show's hot, young female quota.
One-half of Shortland Street's resident lesbian couple Jay Copeland, played by actress Jaime Passier-Armstrong, has always had a strong following. The petite, raven-haired beauty is also small enough to be whirled, twirled and flipped like no tomorrow.
THE BROADCASTER
Paul Henry has got to be ready for his spin on the dance floor. With the launch of TV3's Sunrise, the Breakfast host and his producers will no doubt be looking to raise the show's profile by any means necessary.
Former politician and Radio Live host John Tamihere has seen his popularity soar since he retired from politics. There's never been a better time for this opinionated presenter to capitalise on his rising stock.
THE FORMER OLYMPIAN
After retiring last month, Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ulmer will be looking for a way to keep her name in the limelight and maintain all her lucrative sponsorship deals. A born competitor and national sweetheart, Ulmer has the goods to go the distance in the dancing competition.
THE POLITICIAN
Rumour has it Don Brash was approached to star in the next series but turned the offer down as his wife was less-than-thrilled by the prospect. Following the couple's official separation over the weekend, it seems there's nothing stopping Brash from donning his dancing shoes.
With an election looming, the ever-enthusiastic National MP Pansy Wong could do wonders for the blue front with a dancing campaign. John Key and Bill English could cheer her on from the sidelines, garnering more exposure than any billboard or flyer.
THE COMEDIAN
Funnyman Mike King has maintained a bit of a low profile since his heart attack in January and could well be looking to restart his television career with a stint on the show.
THE FORMER REALITY STAR
After a stint of TVNZ's Pop's Ultimate Star, former NZ Idol winner Rosita Vai appears to have penchant for reality series. Plus, she would provide excellent women's mag fodder, discussing her inevitable "incredible dancing transformation".
THE FORMER RUGBY STAR
He's used to bossing grown men around but just how would he take to being bullied by a woman? We think a stint on the dance floor could do incumbent All Blacks coach Graham Henry a world of good.
After retiring from international rugby league, footy star Ruben Wiki has time to spare these days. What better way to stay fit in the off-season than in the arms of a lithe young lady?
