Entertainment

Celebrity, professional partner: That's the normal order of business on Dancing With the Stars. But this season, one star will be competing with her much-talked-about prosthetic leg.

Daniel Liam / ABC

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts

Heather Mills' prosthesis is mentioned so much in her lore that it's like the Fifth Beatle. So let's just go ahead and name her leg Pete Best. She won't mind.

Then again, she might; perhaps we'll see evidence of her much-ballyhooed temper on live TV. But she's not the only one lacing up her jazz shoes. Other contenders include an Olympian, a former NBA superstar, a supermodel, Cliff Clavin and Steve Sanders. Who will go home with that disco ball on a stick?

How you know her: Muhammad's daughter, undefeated World Boxing Champion, cover on women's magazines

Why she might win: Floating like a butterfly while also stinging like a bee requires grace.

Why she might not: According to her autobiography, she was a rebellious youth, even ending up in a group home. This show seems way too sweet for her. But she could probably frighten Bruno Tonioli into some good scores.

How you know him: "Achy Breaky Heart." That is all.

Why he might win: His daughter is Disney's Hannah Montana, so he'll dominate in the coveted tween faction. And many women swooned over his mullet back in the day.

Why he might not: Sample lyrics to his one hit: "You can tell your ma I moved to Arkansas, or you can tell your dog to bite my leg." Such atrocities are not soon forgotten. Plus, YouTube clips of him performing don't promise rhythmic greatness.

How you know him: He's an NBA great who played for the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers.

Why he might win: Thanks to his awe-inspiring leaps and dunks, he was nicknamed "Clyde the Glide." Have you seen his highlight reel? He's Superman.

Why he might not: His moves seem as though they'd be rule-breakers with those strict judges. Right after the "No lifts!" stipulation has to be "No flying!"

How you know him: 'NSync singer-dancer (thereby reigniting the old "he's not an amateur" debate)

Why he might win: Check out any of the boy band's videos: Not one member had two left feet. And as the third Joey in a row (following McIntyre and Lawrence), the name has to win at some point.

Why he might not: Please see "How you know him" above. That controversy could split his votes.

How you know her: Well, you probably don't, but she was Miss USA 2004.

Why she might win: Pageant girls know all the tricks to competitions. They're generally out for blood.

Why she might not: Severe lack of name recognition.

How you know her: As host of Entertainment Tonight, former WFAA-TV (Channel 8) reporter.

Why she might win: Who among us hates Leeza Gibbons? Nobody, that's who. She's cute, she does lots of charity work and she's not 20. In fact, she'll soon be a whopping 50, so we're looking to her to prove the theory that 50 is the new 16.

Why she might not: Mary Hart's the one who had her legs insured for a million bucks.

How you know her: Her DWTS bio lists her as a "charity activist and campaigner," but come on: We really know her from her knock-down, drag-out divorce with Sir Paul. As well as from the fake leg.

Why she might win: People, if that leg flies off at any point in the competition, she owns the trophy. (Especially if it hits George Lopez or another ABC interloper in the crowd.) Television needs an appendage malfunction!

Why she might not win: Well, there's that whole "hated across the globe" thing. Some of us, in fact, are hoping that she's forced to cha-cha to "Can't Buy Me Love."

How you know him: The short-track speed skater has five Olympic medals, two of which are gold.

Why he might win: Obviously fast on his feet, he also has the spirit of a fighter. Much like Miss USA in that respect.

Why he might not: His partner is brand new to the show, which could be a disadvantage. Plus, his last name is ready-made for criticism.

How you know her: Was once the highest paid supermodel in the world.

Why she might win: She'll definitely look nice out there. And as the wife of The Cars' Ric Ocasek, she was in '80s music videos. Maybe that will help?

Why she might not: She once wrote a novel called A Model Summer . Ugh. Plus, women might not vote for her out of jealousy. You know women.

How you know him: He's good old Cliff Clavin from Cheers.

Why he might win: Well, his partner is quite talented; she's the one who helped Joey Lawrence shine last season. He might also win votes for valiantly stepping in after Sopranos star Vincent Pastore chickened out.

Why he might not: Nothing about him screams "Let's boogie!" Seems more familiar with the bar than the barre.

How you know him: Who among us has never watched Beverly Hills 90210?

Why he might win: Some of us watched a LOT of 90210. OK, fine: We still watch it at 5 p.m. weekdays on SoapNet. On the show, Steve Sanders a) managed David Silver's rap career; b) attended many proms, dances and wedding receptions; and c) often took to the dance floor at the Peach Pit After Dark. Lots of experience. Plus, professional dancer Cheryl Burke, a two-time winner, clearly possesses the twinkle dust for her celebrity partners' toes.

Why he might not: Let's face it, he was no Dylan McKay.