ABC Announces DANCING WITH THE STARS Online Game

BBC Worldwide and ABC Entertainment today announced the first ever free-to-play online game centered on the juggernaut reality-competition television show, DANCING WITH THE STARS. Titled "Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing," the game is available to play now on ABC.com/DancingWithTheStars and at DWTSKeepDancing.com. Concurrently BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games will launch "Strictly Keep Dancing" in the UK, accompanying the format's original version, "Strictly Come Dancing."

For the first time ever, fans of the show and social gamers from around the world will be able to take their moves to the dance floor, partnering with the show's professional dancers (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson) and competing against friends and fellow fans to take home the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. The game allows players to customize their personal avatar, complete with "DWTS'" award-winning makeup, hair and fantastic costumes. Sequins, heels, hair, lipstick, nutrition, publicity and more will make the experience as authentic as the television show. Players will learn different dance routines including the Samba, Jive and Tango, all while customizing each step to complete their dance routines.

Robert Nashak, EVP, BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment & Games, commented: "'Dancing with the Stars' is a global pop culture phenomenon, and developing this game has been a major initiative for our business. We've tried hard to create a fun and authentic experience that fully engages players in everything that it takes to be a celebrity contestant on the show."

"Fans can't get enough of 'Dancing with the Stars,' and this game allows them to become completely immersed in the experience," said Karin Gilford, Senior Vice President, Digital Media, ABC Television Network. "We think the ease of use, along with the degree to which fans can customize their own experience, will make it an absolute obsession for anyone who has dreamed of taking a twirl under the mirror ball."

"Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing" is developed to present a realistic reflection of the show with special 3D graphics that bring the glitz and glamour to life, giving an experience that is as sexy, sassy and dramatic as the real thing. "Strictly Keep Dancing" will launch concurrently in the UK, with players in both countries having access to play on the "SCD" and the "DWTS" dance floor. Over time, BBC Worldwide will roll out "Dancing with the Stars: Keep Dancing" to the 75 plus territories where "DWTS" is broadcast. Unique local versions will let players participate with the famed professional dancers on their local "DWTS" production.