LOS ANGELES -- America's Next Top Model winner Nyle DiMarco is trading his smize for dancing shoes: the 26-year-old model/actor/Deaf activist will compete on season 22 of Dancing With the Stars, a source tells E! News exclusively.
Sources confirm that the most recent champion of Tyra Banks' modeling competition is heading to the DWTS ballroom, where he'll be joining rumored fellow cast member Jodie Sweetin on the series which our insiders have also confirmed, and will be the second-ever Deaf contestant on the show.
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin competed on the series in 2008, coming in seventh place with partner Fabian Sanchez during the ABC reality hit's sixth season. Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi eventually took home the Mirrorball Trophy that year.
The new cast will dance in the footsteps of 17-year-old Bindi Irwin, who took home the trophy with six-time champion Derek Hough, beating out Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, soldier Alek Skarlatos and Grease Live star Carlos PenaVega.
ABC declined to comment on the casting report, but the official cast announcement will be made on Good Morning America on March 8, ahead of season 22's March 21 premiere.
One certainty for next season: We won't be seeing Julianne Hough anymore. The pro-turned-judge is stepping away from the series after two years at the judges' table, she confirmed on Feb. 17, but there's good news too: Len Goodman, who left for a season to spend time with his newborn grandson (and continue judging on the original British series, Strictly Come Dancing), is coming back.
DWTS season 22 debuts Monday, March 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC - SOURCE - EONLINE
Watch Dancing with the Stars Mondays at 8|7c on ABC - Mondays at 8 pm on ABC.
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