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ABC'S HIT SERIES "DANCING WITH THE STARS" RETURNS FOR ITS EIGHTH SEQUIN-FILLED SEASON ON MARCH 9, 2009

In a two-hour season premiere sure to dazzle, a new cast of celebrities takes to the dance floor for the eighth season of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" on MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009 (8:00-10:02 p.m., ET). As with Season Five, each couple will have the opportunity to perform for two weeks prior to the first elimination, with every couple performing on both March 9th and March 16th (also 8:00-10:02 p.m., ET). "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show" debuts TUESDAY, MARCH 17 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET).

The recent victory of Season Seven's host/model Brooke Burke and her partner, Derek Hough, closed the gap not only between the number of female and male celebrity winners, but also between non-athletes and athletes (both three to four, respectively).

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international BBC smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.

"Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound and Spanish audio via SAP.