Karina Smirnoff is officially returning to "Dancing with the Stars" to win back the mirror ball trophy, Entertainment Weekly reported. The 37-year-old Ukrainian-American first won the coveted mirror ball trophy back in season 13 with her partner soap opera star J.R. Martinez and was most recently paired with UFC champion Randy Couture in season 19, according to TV Line.
Last season Smirnoff did not appear as a professional dancer on the show. She took off season 20 to promote her book "We're Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters from the Trenches" and to star in the indie film "Tango Shalom" with Lainie Kazan.
"I was a little nervous about not dancing on the show at all last season. I was doing it for the last 10 years," said Smirnoff. "I had other things to do in my life, but not going back to the show felt like trying to see if I can walk on my own two feet! I've had obvious moments when I missed it."
"Dancing with the Stars" did not confirm the cast for the 21st season, but some fan favorites from last season were rumored to be back. "I don't think the cast will be much different than the one we've had the last couple of seasons," showrunner Rob Way told E! News.
Fan favorite Derek Hough was also rumored to return. "At the moment, he's been texting me giving song ideas. You take from that what you will," Way said. "He's completely engaged. Derek's an amazing guy and it requires so much work, the show, and to really succeed on the show, you have to give it your everything. I hope Derek's back, he'll always be welcome to come back."
"Dancing with the Stars" returns Monday, Sept. 14 on ABC.
