Upfronts 2012: 'Dancing With the Stars' 'All-Star' Season Set for Fall

ABC

Dancing With the Stars is switching gears for its 15th cycle. Following weeks of rumors, ABC entertainment president Paul Lee formally announced that the veteran franchise will be bringing back former competitors for an "All-Star" season this fall.

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"We can't talk about the casting yet, but I'd love to see some of the fan favorite from the last seasons come back," he said. "We have many from the past 14 seasons."

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Though an all-star season of the series is something that's been floated around for a while, it recently gained traction when former competitor Mario Lopez mentioned on-air that he'd been approached to return.

Recently speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Dancing With the Stars EP Conrad Green wouldn't confirm plans, only saying that it has been part of the discussion for years. "It's definitely an option for the future," he said. "I think it's something our fans would really like."

One reason why the show has likely chosen the 15th season as the time bring back familiar faces is ratings. The current cycle has seen dips in viewers and adults 18-49, thanks in large part to direct competition against NBC's The Voice.