Tori Spelling, known for her role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” along with Olympic rugby athlete Ilona Maher, who gained fame for assisting the U.S. women’s team in securing a bronze medal at the Paris Summer Olympics, are set to participate in Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The 51-year-old Spelling and the 28-year-old Maher will dance alongside a roster of other celebrities, including “Bachelor” contestant Joey Graziadei, “Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran, former NBA player Dwight Howard, two-time Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola, Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts (who is Julia Roberts’ brother and Emma Roberts’ father), and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks.

Additionally, ABC has confirmed that Anna Delvey, also known as Anna Sorokin, a con artist portrayed in Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” will also take part in the competition. Olympic gymnast Steve “The Pommel Horse Guy” Nedoroscik has previously been announced as a participant for the “DWTS” season, which premieres on September 17 (8 PM EDT/PDT).

U.S. Olympic Rugby Star and TikTok Sensation Ilona Maher Hopes to Shine in ‘DWTS’

This month has been remarkable for Maher, who gained immense popularity during the Paris Olympics with the Team USA women’s rugby team while sharing her journey through viral TikTok videos (she has 2.3 million followers). Now, she is also modeling for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit cover for September and competing in “DWTS.”

“This feels like a significant milestone for me,” Maher told YSL News. “Many of my Olympic heroes, including Simone Biles and Suni Lee, have been on ‘Dancing.’ Plus, it’s an opportunity to learn a brand new skill.”

Paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, Maher acknowledges the challenges ahead. The thought of long hours of practice and performing live is “overwhelming,” she admits. With no formal dance training, she finds few aspects of her rugby experience applicable to ballroom dancing.

“Rugby is all about rushing full speed and colliding with others. I’m not sure how my body will adapt to this,” Maher reflects. “I don’t think my dance skills are very strong. My vibe when dancing with friends is decent, but ballroom? That’s a blank canvas for me. Hopefully, that fun vibe can transition into this.”

After always wearing muddy and sweaty uniforms while playing rugby, Maher is particularly excited about the glamorous outfits on “DWTS.”

“The glitz and glamour are such an important aspect, and I enjoy dressing up,” Maher shares. “I’m looking forward to showcasing more sparkles and sequins.”

Tori Spelling Describes Her ‘Crazy Journey’ to ‘DWTS’

Spelling initially turned down an invitation to be part of the inaugural season of “DWTS” in 2005 and has continued to decline every season since.

“This has been quite the journey because for 32 seasons, they reached out, and I declined,” Spelling explains.

Her fear of dancing on a national stage has always been intense, which only grew after witnessing her fellow “90210” co-stars Ian Ziering (Season 4) and Jennie Garth (Season 5) compete. “Watching them perform added to my fear as I realized how demanding it was,” Spelling admits.

After facing health struggles, financial issues, and a split from her husband Dean McDermott, the mother of five believes she is ready for a new chapter after turning 50 (she filed for divorce in March).

“It’s often said that turning 50 brings about a new phase in life. In the past year, I’ve definitely seen that transformation,” Spelling reveals. “When they called me this year, it was a moment of truth. I’m still terrified, but I think it’s time to confront those fears.”

Despite lacking any formal dance education, she frequently shares spirited dances on TikTok. Another challenge may be her avoidance of physical workouts throughout the years.

“I haven’t exercised; I’m coming in with no fitness background,” Spelling confides. “I usually drive around the Target parking lot to find the closest spot. In fact, I was out of breath just doing back-to-school shopping.”

Spelling shared her anxieties and the story behind her “DWTS” casting with close friends, including Brian Austin Green, another “90210” star, who competed in “DWTS” Season 30 with his dance partner, Sharna Burgess.

“I opened up to them about my concerns,” Spelling disclosed.

“They provided me with some excellent guidance.”

The conversation was insightful, yet Spelling remains uncertain about her chances of winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy following just two practice sessions with her professional partner, Pasha Pashkov.

“Honestly, my main goal is to survive the first week,” Spelling admits. “However, I’m discovering that I possess significant strength and competitiveness, primarily against myself. I’m not one to give up; I’m determined. I persevere through every challenge, and I keep moving forward.”

Introducing the contestants for the 2024 ‘DWTS’ season

• Convicted fraudster Anna Sorokin with new professional dancer Ezra Sosa
• Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooks Nader partnered with pro dancer Gleb Savchenko
• “Z-O-M-B-I-E” actress Chandler Kinney paired with pro dancer Brandon Armstrong
• Ex-NFL player Danny Amendola coupled with pro dancer Witney Carson
• Former NBA star Dwight Howard along with pro dancer Daniella Karagach
• Actor Eric Roberts partnered with pro dancer Britt Stewart
• Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher with professional dancer Alan Bersten
• “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadel teamed up with pro dancer Jenna Johnson
• “Real Housewives of Atlanta” figure Phaedra Parks with pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy
• Actor Reginald VelJohnson with dance partner Emma Slater
• Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik matched with pro dancer Rylee Arnold
• Actress Tori Spelling alongside pro dancer Pasha Pashkov
• “The Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran paired with pro partner Sasha Farber

Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough will reprise their roles as judges on “DWTS,” while Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will host the show.