Rumor: Valerie Harper “Rehearsing Like A Champ” For Dancing With The Stars Season 17
TMZ never rests…not even on a Sunday. Now the online magazine reports that Disney is none too happy with the leaks of the cast and intend on finding the mole. They also report that Valerie Harper is rehearsing like a champ and without any special breaks (bless her!). Here is take. MORE at TMZ!
So we’re guessing this won’t make Mickey’s parents happy … we found out Tristin McMannis will be Valerie’s partner. What’s more … we’re told Valerie — who has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer but is in remission — is rehearsing like a champ and is getting no special breaks.
I know many Tristan fans aren’t happy with who he has been partnered up with all these seasons, but honestly, I think it’s a big honor and a compliment that some have actually requested him because he is kind and patient.
Couldn’t agree more Sheery! It’s never been about winning a nmirror ball to him anyway. It’s about having fun, the heart, and the journey which is why he is so loved. I think it’s a perfect partnership and who’s to say they can’t go far too? You never know?
God bless her and I hope she does well! I would love to see Tristan with a younger celebrity, but I think this is a good pairing. They both have positive attitudes and a good work ethic. I hope it carries them far!
Love Tristan. I think Valerie will inspire him. His partnership with her will give him something unique and valuable. I think his talents will have added dimension as a result. I’m excited to see them.
I’m confused. She has terminal cancer but it’s in remission? I don’t mean to sound clueless, I just don’t know how that works.
I really, really hope her cancer is in remission.
I wasn’t a fan of Valerie being on the show when I first heard this, even less when it was revealed that Tristan is her partner. I do love and admire her, I just thought it was simply going to be too hard on her body and spirit.
But I’ve come around to actually feeling very excited to see her and Tristan dance.
You’re right Vogue, Tristan is more about teaching and nurturing his partners than about winning a Mirrorball. I’m sure he has ambition, but his heart is bigger than his ambition!
LOVES THIS^^ EXACTLY and that’s what really matters. You wait and see. It’s going to be one of the most heart felt and most memorable journeys this show has had yet. That’s just as equally as special as a mirror ball if not more.
Susan, I think Valerie will inspire Tristan too. She’s fun and entertaining. They are going to be a fun and touching pair to watch.
I agree and I hope so too!
Susan, I think it means that it will eventually kill her, but that it is not imminent. I could be wrong.
I think that Tristan is very fortunate to work with Valerie. I think it will give him some extraordinary life lessons and inspiration. Really, when you look at the partners he’s had, it’s quite flattering that he’s the go-to guy for them.
I agree PH. Tristan seems like the kind of person who’s more focused on real life than on winning a $10 reality show trophy. So I think he will see working with Valerie as an honor and appreciate the unspoken compliment that he is the go-to guy when they need a strong, unflappable, compassionate pro. He probably will never win an MBT, but he’s winning in life.
I like him a lot and i hope that he gets to stay longer on the show. At least three-four weeks… The last two seasons he was the first out 🙁
I think tristian and valerie will go far, I have a feeling! For one person to have such a diagnosis and gather themselves enough to concentrate and have some fun. That is inspirational in itself. I’ll root for Valarie anyday and I think everyone will!
ITA with everything said about Tristan. But, I still don’t like the idea of a terminal cancer patient taking part in a fluffy little dance competition. It feels weird to me – almost like watching a NASCAR race, waiting for the big wreck, you know? 🙁 I can’t help but feel uncomfortable with timing in – it feels morbidly voyeuristic to me. I know this is a minority opinion, but… Sally thinks “no bueno” on this one.
Sigh… “Timing in” = “tuning in”. Damned phone…
Sally, I understand where you’re coming from and have reservations too. Since TPTB aren’t known for their good taste, they’re going to wring every ounce of drama and ratings points they can out of having Valerie on the show regardless of how tasteless they have to be. I don’t even want to think about the gawd-awful questions they’re going to program Brooke-bot to ask after the dances.
Something tells me Valerie could be a decent dancer. So I’m expecting her and Tristan to give a great Week 1 performance, but I don’t think they’ll be able to keep it up for 10 weeks. Not just because of her health, but also her age. If or when she starts losing ground to the younger celebs, I hope viewers realize it’s time to say goodbye and don’t keep pulling them through week after week. For me, it’s just as hard to watch someone struggle to keep up as it is to see a good dancer eliminated too soon.
I’m guessing Valerie makes it until at least week 6 – or she will be out week 1. Either most will feel as you guys do – that it’s morbid – or they will sympathy vote in droves.
It doesn’t have to be morbid. If the producers just let Valerie and Tristan get on with the rehearsing and dancing, I think their journey on the show could be very fun, uplifting, and life affirming. However, I’m such a cynic when it comes to TPTB. I don’t trust them to leave well enough alone.
Really, Cidra, what are the odds of that. 😀 I can predict exactly what Brooke (or the voices in her head) will say and the tone of voice she will use.
I can see Brooke putting on her serious face and saying in her serious tone of voice, “How does it feel……….?” yada, yada, yada. I’m already cringing.
I’m hoping that two classy people (Valerie and Tristan) will negate any of the exploitative sleaziness that might permeate the opportunistic heads of the producers.
I think she’s doing the show to prove that life is for the living, and she’s still alive and she’s going to LIVE. I hope she has a blast!