Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes on Dancing with the Stars?
From the hook-ups and the makeup to the pro who was nearly a judge, here are 22 things you didn’t know about the popular reality competition show!
It’s Based on the British Series, Strictly Come Dancing
Dancing with the Stars is based on the British Series, Strictly Come Dancing, which premiered in 2004. Len Goodman has been the head judge on both series.
Mark Ballas Dated Two of His Partners
Mark Ballas dated dancing partner Sabrina Bryan during the show in 2007. Two years later, he was rumored to be dating partner Shawn Johnson.
The Money is Worth It
The celebrity contestants get a pretty fabulous paycheck for their time on Dancing with the Stars, even if they don’t make it past the first elimination. Several have reported a base salary of $125,000, and that number goes up for the contestants who make it further in the competition.
The Show Really Wants Bill Clinton to Compete
How amazing would this be? Bill Clinton has been asked repeatedly to be on Dancing with the Stars, but he hasn’t said yes. Yet.
Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec
These two weren’t secretive about their budding romance when they were partners on the show, and that romance lasted. The two eventually got married, and they’re cuter than ever.
Last Minute Costumes
You might imagine it takes a lot of time to make those fancy costumes, but in reality, the constestants don’t get to wear them until dress rehearsal, and even then, they may not be totally complete. The final look usually isn’t ready until just before the show begins!
Spray Tan Sundays
If you’ve ever wondered how the dancers always look so refreshed with their glowing skin come Monday night, the answer is simple. Everyone goes in for a spray tan on Sundays — a.k.a. “Spray Tan Sundays.”
Jennifer Aniston is the Most Popular Fan Request
As for who the public wants to see on the show? Deena Katz has stated that the most requested celebrity from fans is Jennifer Aniston. Not entirely surprising, right?
Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Pros Peta and Maks have been together for a while, and were engaged in 2015. They recently welcomed their new baby boy, Shai Aleksander, into the world.
Drop Outs
Jewel and Nancy O’Dell each had to drop out of the competition due to injury before their season even began. O’Dell was replaced by Melissa Rycroft, and Jewel was replaced by Holly Madison.
Derek Hough’s Record Number of Wins
Derek Hough has won the mirror ball trophy more times than any other pro on Dancing with the Stars. His current number of wins? SIX. The other pros must be relieved any time he takes a season off.
Sasha Farber and Emma Slater
These two pros have also been together for quite some time, and Dancing with the Stars fans got a special treat when we all watched Sasha get down on one knee and propose on live television. How’s that for memorable?
Casting is Meticulous
Casting director Deena Katz has stated that when it comes to casting, they try to include stars who “the idea of them dancing makes you laugh,” plus “nostalgia picks” and celebrities who are currently in the news.
Tom Bergeron Prepares in a Unique Way
Tom Bergeron prepares for each episode of Dancing with the Stars by spending time meditating in his dressing room. No wonder he always seems like such a happy guy.
Derek Hough and Shannon Elizabeth
Derek Hough and his 2009 partner Shannon Elizabeth had insane chemistry, and wound up dating for over a year. Their split was amicable.
Maks Was Nearly a Judge
Maks was offered a regular judge’s position on Dancing with the Stars before returning as a pro in 2014. It was later that Julianne Hough joined the show as a judge instead.
Strict Makeup Rules
As much as the contestants might want to bring in their own hair and makeup teams or do some of it themselves, the answer is a hard no. Contestants must use the hair and makeup teams provided by Dancing with the Stars.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff
Before Maks was engaged to Peta, he was engaged to another pro, Karina Smirnoff. They broke things off less than a year later.
Karina Smirnoff and Mario Lopez
And before Karina Smirnoff was with Maks, she dated her celebrity dancing partner, Mario Lopez. Unfortunately, their breakup was a painful one.
Kate Gosselin Tried to Cheat
When Kate Gosselin was on the show in 2010, she allegedly sent emails to friends and family asking them to forward it to others and have them all vote for her 10 times. Hint: that is not allowed.
Bindi Irwin Had Trouble Getting Paid
Bindi Irwin was a minor, which meant both parents had to sign off on her contract before she could get paid. Her mother signed, but the courts made her prove that her father, “CROCODILE HUNTER” STEVE IRWIN, was in fact deceased. Apparently, they were the only ones who missed that news.
Grueling Hours
Ever wonder just how much the competitors spend rehearsing each week? Reportedly, the average is nearly 50 hours a week. Exhausting.