While "Dancing with the Stars" remains in hiatus, casting rumors for season 22 are already starting to make the news.
Recent reports claim that the next lineup of contestants for the long-running celebrity dance competition will include "Chasing Life" lead star Italia Ricci. The 29-year-old actress was popular for her role as cancer patient April Carver in the ABC Family drama series, and she also appeared in Comedy Central's "Secret Girlfriend" web series.
Other rumors also claimed that current "Bachelor" Ben Higgins will be paired with the pro dancers in the next season of "Dancing with the Stars." The 27-years-old software salesman from Indiana previously talked to E! Online regarding the possibility to join the dance show.
"I think I'm excited about what experiences are next in life. Just like I never expected to be on 'The Bachelorette', I never expected to be the Bachelor, I don't know what to expect next and I'm open to anything," Higgins said.
But he is not the only one from the dating reality franchise who is rumored to participate in "Dancing with the Stars" season 22, since his ex-girlfriend from "The Bachelorette" season 11 Kaitlyn Bristowe is also reported to vie for the Mirror Ball trophy this season.
Other possible contestants for the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars" 2016 include Robert Irwin, the younger brother of last season's winner Bindi Irwin, as well as New York Giants' running back Rashad Jennings.
However, none of them have confirmed their participation in ABC's long running dance reality competition.
But aside from the rumors regarding the next set of contestants for season 22, recent reports confirmed that judge Len Goodman will be back for the upcoming season after taking a break in season 21 to spend more time with his family in the U.K.
"Dancing with the Stars" season 22 is expected to premiere on March 21.
