UK headline maker to judge Kiwi dance show

A New Zealander involved in a romantic scandal on a British reality programme is to appear in the local version of the show.

Brendan Cole, the Kiwi dance instructor whose relationship with his celebrity dance partner on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing became the subject of much media speculation, is to be a judge on TVOne's version, Dancing With the Stars.

Cole and BBC newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky won the first series in July - with many attributing their success to a real-life chemistry. The story made headlines and both ended long-term relationships.

With Cole on the judging panel will be Australian actor and dancer Paul Mercurio, TV presenter and dancer Alison Leonard and dance coach Donna Dawson.

TV presenter Jason Gunn and champion ballroom dancer Candy Lane will host the show.