Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger confirmed her role in ABC’s Dirty Dancing remake.
Scherzinger is cast to play Penny, a role originally played by Cynthia Rhodes in the 1987 film. The former Pussycat Dolls singer will join Abigail Breslin who is set to play the lead role, Colt Prattes as Johnny Castle, and Will & Grace star Debra Messing as Baby’s mother.
Scherzinger ‘to star in Dirty Dancing’ https://t.co/aEwRgKEdJ2
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 3, 2016
The TV-movie remake will revolve around the budding romance between Baby, a rich young woman who goes for a vacation with her family at a resort, and Johnny, a young, good-looking dance instructor. In the film, Penny is Johnny’s original dance partner and a member of the entertainment staff at the Catskills resort where Baby and her affluent family are staying. She got pregnant and had an abortion in the original Dirty Dancing movie, the reason why Baby took her place and danced with Johnny.
Nicole Scherzinger Will Play Johnny’s First Dance Partner in ‘Dirty Dancing’
A second film was made in 2003 entitled Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights starring Diego Luna and Romola Garai.
Scherzinger recently shared the good news via social media on Tuesday. She also posted a selfie showing her working out to keep her body fit for the role with the caption: “#dirtydancing !!! I’m so excited!!! Lol! I’m coming for ya! #imcomingforyou.”
#dirtydancing !!! I’m so excited!!! ?? Lol! I’m coming for ya!???????? #imcomingforyou https://t.co/AUO0yavnWB pic.twitter.com/xyjwQoQSpT
— Nicole Scherzinger (@NicoleScherzy) March 2, 2016
Dancing and acting are nothing new for Scherzinger, who, after going solo, tried her acting skills in several theater and TV projects. In 2014, she played Grizzabella in London’s West End revival of Cats: The Musical. She also had guest roles on How I Met Your Mother and Wizards of Waverly Place. Scherzinger previously won on Dancing with the Stars in 2010.
Dirty Dancing is produced by Lionsgate TV’s Allison Shearmur Productions. Eleanor Bergestein , who wrote the original movie, will serve as an executive producer.
ABC has yet to announce a premiere date for the three-hour TV movie.