Channel Seven has revealed the first celeb to take on Dancing with the Stars Australia 2024: former AFL star Ben Cousins.
The hit dancing show, co-hosted by Sonia Kruger and Seven newcomer Chris Brown, will soon be gracing our screens.
And, according to The West Australian, Ben will be swapping out his footy boots for his dancing shoes despite having “no background in dancing whatsoever”.
“It’d be nice to learn how to dance. But I have never followed through with any conviction at any stage, for even one lesson,” he told the outlet.
Despite having no experience, the 45-year-old, who’ll be dancing alongside pro Siobhan Power, said he was ready to take on a “new challenge”.
“I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to get out of it,” Ben said. “But I think it’ll surprise me. And I’ve enjoyed it up until now — but it has been hard. So there’s certainly no time to lose momentum… or let life get in the way.”
Dancing with the Stars’ Ben Cousins is ready to be back in the spotlight
The Seven News sports presenter also said he was ready to be back on the public stage.
“[My past] hovers over me and probably doesn’t allow me to get too caught up in enjoying the moment.
“It’s not the first time I’m going to be exposed to having to overcome nerves… that is going to be a challenge,” he told The West Australian.
He later added: “I can’t change what’s happened in the past. But I try … not to let what’s happened affect the opportunity I’ve got to make the most of today.”
The Brownlow medalist also told the outlet that starring on the hit dancing show was “out of his comfort zone”.
“Being exposed to that has been a good experience. It hasn’t been easy. It’s a work in progress,” he admitted.
Ben, who recently underwent bicep surgery, explained that being on the show would help him get back in “good shape”.
“[Dancing] is a different way of approaching getting fit. [It uses] all these different muscles, and it’s just a different way of moving,” he added.
Dancing with the Stars‘ Ben Cousins‘ chequered past
Some viewers have protested Ben’s involvement in Dancing with the Stars as he was put behind bars for seven months back in 2020 for stalking his ex-partner.
“Channel Seven loves employing criminals, don’t they,” one user commented under the official Dancing with the Stars Instagram post.
“Once again Channel 7 chooses to pay the salary of a criminal and abuser of women,” another wrote, whilst a third penned: “Wonder what the victim thinks about this.”
However, this isn’t the first time Seven has cast controversial figures, with Craig McLachlan, Koby Abberton, Richard Buttrose, Wayne Carey and Schapelle Corby all starring on SAS Australia in recent years.
Want even more goss? Listen to the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
Know something that we don’t? Spill the tea here!
Get the tea first! Follow So Dramatic! on Instagram and tune in on Mondays to get your reality tea fix with the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto.
