Report: Holly Madison to join ‘Dancing’

Will Hefner's ex-girlfriend replace the injured Jewel?

Shea Walsh / AP

Holly Madison, former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner and star of the reality show "The Girls Next Door," is joining the cast of "Dancing With the Stars," UsMagazine.com reports.

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updated 3:15 p.m. ET March 5, 2009

Holly Madison, former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner and star of the reality show "The Girls Next Door," is joining "Dancing With the Stars," UsMagazine.com reports.

The magazine reported the news on its Web site, crediting an exclusive source, and later reported that Madison's co-star, Bridget Marquardt, confirmed the news on FOX's "Strategy Room" program.

"She's wanted to do it for so long," Marquardt reportedly said. "Hef was always like 'I don't want you to do that,' and now it's her time, so I'm really happy for her."

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"Dancing With the Stars" kicks off its new season on Monday, March 9. As of Thursday, the show's official Web site did not list Madison as a new contestant.

Singer Jewel, who had been announced as a contestant along with her rodeo champion husband, Ty Murray, injured her knees while rehearsing for the ballroom competition. She wrote on her Web site that tenditinis had kept her from rehearsing, but a physical therapist said she could still perform if she rested.

However, Jewel's injury and the reported addition of Madison have led many to speculate that Madison is meant to replace Jewel in the cast.

UsMagazine.com quoted a source close to Jewel as saying the singer would still be on the show.