NeNe Leakes, Billy Dee Williams and more go 'Dancing With the Stars'

TODAY - Get ready to party like it's 1999 — or the mid-'80s, or heck, anywhere from 1977 onward!..

Mar 4, 2014

Get ready to party like it’s 1999 — or the mid-’80s, or heck, anywhere from 1977 onward! “Dancing With the Stars” is on the way with yet another season of the celebrity ballroom battle, and this time, D.J. Tanner, Winnie Cooper and Lando Calrissian will face off for ballroom bragging rights — and that coveted, kitschy mirror ball trophy.

That’s right, the future of “Dancing” is rooted firmly in the past for season 18, which is good news for retro fans who can’t get enough nostalgia. As for fans of modern-day big and small screen names? Well, let’s just say the prospects aren’t quite as bright.

On Tuesday morning, longtime “Dancing With the stars” emcee Tom Bergeron and his brand new co-host Erin Andrews announced the star-studded — or well, close enough — bunch who’ll let their footwork lead the way.

Billy Dee Williams — The 76-year-old actor best known for backstabbing Han Solo in “Star Wars” (andsharing his Colt 45 with lovely ladies) will dance with pro Emma Slater.

Candace Cameron Bure —”Full House’s” D.J. Tanner is all grown up now, and the 37-year-old star will dance alongside pro Mark Ballas. Only time will tell if Michelle, Stephanie and maybe even Uncle Joey will turn up to root for her.

Danica McKellar — She was Gwendolyn “Winnie” Cooper (and part-time Kevin Arnold heartbreaker) on “The Wonder Years,” but soon the 39-year-old star will show off her moves with dance pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

Drew Carey — The funnyman made his way from ’90s hit “The Drew Carey Show” to the “Price is Right.” Now Carey, 55, will have to make his way across the ballroom with pro Cheryl Burke.

NeNe Leakes — There’s nothing classic about Leakes TV work, but the 46-year-old “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star will be sure to bring drama to the dance floor with pro Tony Dovolani.

Sean Avery — Former hockey player Avery, 33, will join the ballroom bash alongside pro Karina Smirnoff.

Charlie White —Olympic ice dancer is fresh from his Sochi win, but he’ll be trading partners. Instead of moving alongside Meryl Davis, the 26-year-old will dance with pro Sharna Burgess.

Meryl Davis — Davis is joining “Dancing” too. The 27-year-old ice dancer will groove with returning pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

Cody Simpson — The 17-year-old Australian pop star will dance with pro Whitney Carson.

Diana Nyad — The 64-year-old swimmer will dance with first-time pro and former Dance Troupe member Henry Byalikov.

James Maslow — Actor/singer Maslow, 23, is best known from Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush.” He’s perform with pro Peta Murgatroyd.

Amy Purdy — The 34-year-old Paralympic snowboarder and actress will dance with seasoned pro Derek Hough.

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