#Middlebury
Q: When will “Dancing With the Stars” return? I thought I saw a commercial for it the other day, and I got excited. It seems like it’s been forever since the last season aired. – D.D.
A: “DWTS” returns to ABC on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 16. When the new group of competitors was announced, it wasn’t without controversy. The same hosts and judges will return, but there are some rule changes after last season’s winner, Bobby Bones, was said to have won strictly on his popularity as a radio host and not based on his skills as a dancer.
Tom Bergeron (ABC photo)
Another topic of discussion involves this year’s cast, namely former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. In addition to some angry viewers who don’t want Spicer because he used to work for President Donald Trump, “DWTS’s” host has also spoken against this choice. Tom Bergeron stated that the show should be “a joyful respite from our exhausting political climate and free of inevitably divisive bookings from ANY party affiliations.”
This isn’t the first time that “DWTS” has selected a contestant from the political realm. Past participants include former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former House majority leader Tom DeLay. Adding some levity to the show, fortunately, will be other cast members like Kate Flannery (Meredith from the “The Office”), supermodel Christie Brinkley and former “Bachelorette” Hannah Brown.
Q: I’m trying to find the status of the movie “The Nightingale,” based on a book by Kristin Hannah. I did see that it was to be released on Jan. 19, 2019, but the only thing I have seen so far is the trailer. – D.E.
A: I found conflicting information on the status of a movie adaptation of “The Nightingale” by author Kristin Hannah. One source online said it was in pre-production, while another said it finished production in May. To add to the confusion, there is an Australian movie by the same title that came out in 2018, but has a different plot.
What I do know is that the film based on the book you read is being directed by Michelle MacLaren, who has been a producer and director for such critically acclaimed TV shows as “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Your best source for updates on the film is probably www.IMDB.com, but it might be a while before something definitive is posted.
Q: Is Mitch Albom still writing books? I loved him as a sports commentator, but his wonderful, uplifting books like “Tuesdays With Morrie” are the best. – S.K.
A: “Detroit Free Press” columnist Mitch Albom has a new book coming out in November titled “Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family.” It’s certain to become a bestseller like his other creations.
One of his most famous books, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” is being developed into a series by FOX. You may remember it was a TV movie back in 2004 starring Jon Voight.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me c/o KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
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