'Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars': Drew Lachey sizes up his competition

George Pennacchio 

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In 2006, Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke gave us one of "Dancing With The Stars" most memorable freestyle routines, a dance that put them over the top to win Season 2's mirror ball trophy.

For the upcoming all-star season, he'll be Tangoing with new partner Anna Trebunskaya instead of Burke. Six of the show's champs will be participating, making this the toughest season yet.

So just who is Lachey's biggest threat?

"I think everybody brings different elements," Lachey said. "You've got Shawn Johnson who is going to be able to tumble and flip her way to anywhere, Gilles (Marini) is this very good-looking guy who encompasses when you think of like the Tango, Emmitt (Smith) who is just this character you just love and is very engaging and charming. Joey Fatone is fun and energetic, just loves life and his this personality that you just want to root for him. Everybody brings different elements to the show."

"I know firsthand it is going to be a fun experience," he added. "I'm already friends with eight of the 13 people, so for me it's going to be a lot of fun."
Lachey said he already feels pain just thinking of dancing.


"My brain, my pride, my ulcer - everything hurts already," he said. "You know it's going to be physically grueling, you know it's going to be a challenge performing a new dance live every week, but you're not able to comprehend the schedule, the pace, how much it's going to consume your life, until you are wrapped up in the hurricane of 'Dancing With The Stars.' But that being said, we all know what we're getting into and we're all back for more."
The new season premieres at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 on ABC7.