Ricki Lake and Derek Hough

Team #drickilous

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1. Why do you want to be on DANCING WITH THE STARS?

At the age of 42, I am at a point in my life where it is all about reinvention and conquering things I've never done. DANCING WITH THE STARS is definitely a terrifying idea, but I feel that it will be the ultimate experience -- taking me out of my comfort zone and chalking a biggie off of my "bucket list." Kirstie Alley and her amazing transformation last season totally inspired me to finally say, "Yes!"

2. Which dance style do you think is most "you?"

Hmm. Probably the Cha Cha. The Cha Cha is a dance that I did as "Tracy Turnblad" in the original HAIRSPRAY when I was 18. It was special to me, as it was the dance Tracy did when she first met up with Link Larkin and got a regular spot on the fictional CORNY COLLINS SHOW. "Corny" answer, I know. For the record, though, I am not a trained dancer; I simply faked it in that movie. It was all in the attitude and not in the steps!

3. What do you think is your biggest handicap to overcome if you're going to win?

Oh boy... possibly my two left feet? I don't know, I want to believe that I can win. I have a long way to get to that place, but I am working on it ... visualizing it happening. So, my head is the biggest obstacle at the moment.

4. Do you have a "Dancing" hero (for example, a pro dancer or other "Dancing" star? )/Are any former DWTS stars an inspiration to you?

Kenny Ortega is a big inspiration to me. He's such a great guy. We met and worked together a long time ago… I danced on the Academy Awards when I was 19, and he was my date that year. Also, Adam Shankman taught me the Tango for a film called MRS. WINTERBOURNE. I am not sure I was the best student, but I had so much fun with Adam and Brendan Fraser. For this season, I will be channeling Kirstie Alley. If she can do what she did, being a big, beautiful 60 year-old ... maybe I can pull it off, too!

5. Is there a particular dance style that you most fear?

I am terrified of any lifts.. Having been larger than your average dancer for most of my adult life, I have this fear that I will break the back of my partner. Even though I am not so big anymore, it is still a fear that I have deep inside me.

And what would you classify as your hometown?

I was born and raised in New York and lived there while I did my talk show for 11 years. For the last 8 years, Los Angeles has been my home. I love California, but I will always be a New Yorker at heart.