Giada De Laurentiis Joins Dancing With the Stars After Saying No 10 Times

Giada De Laurentiis is swapping whisking for waltzing. After turning down the hit reality competition a staggering ten times, the famous culinary personality is officially hitting the dance floor for *Dancing With the Stars* Season 35. Producers have officially matched the longtime Food Network host with veteran ballroom professional Alan Bersten. Fans of the long-running series are already eager to see how the fresh duo handles the heat in the ballroom when the new season launches.

Why did Giada De Laurentiis reject Dancing With the Stars?

For years, casting directors repeatedly tried to convince the star chef to step into the spotlight of the ballroom. Yet De Laurentiis consistently turned down the opportunity a full ten times before finally giving in. Balancing a massive culinary empire, busy television production schedules, and personal ventures meant committing to the grueling daily practice routine of the show was simply out of the question for a decade. Stepping away from her comfort zone takes serious guts. While the precise catalyst for her change of heart remains under wraps, the timing for Season 35 proved to be the magic moment. After a decade of saying no, the celebrity chef decided it was finally time to embrace a fresh challenge away from the stovetop.

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Who is Giada De Laurentiis paired with on DWTS?

Taking on the mirrorball trophy requires a trusted guide, and De Laurentiis will have fan-favorite pro Alan Bersten by her side. Known for his high-energy routines and impressive teaching style, Bersten is set to put the chef through her paces as she trades her apron for sequins and salsa steps. Transitioning from live cooking segments to live ballroom performances is a huge leap, but viewers are thrilled to see how the food star adapts to strict choreography. Season 35 is gearing up to showcase a side of De Laurentiis that fans have never seen before.