Olivier Nominee Nicole Scherzinger Boards Dirty Dancing TV Remake

A former Pussycat Doll wants you to shake your maracas! Olivier nominee Nicole Scherzinger will head to the small screen for ABC’s remake of Dirty Dancing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She’ll take on the role of Penny Johnson, Johnny’s initial dance partner. The role was played in the 1987 film by Cynthia Rhodes. 

The West End alum joins a cast that includes the previously announced Abigail Breslin as Baby, Broadway dancer Colt Prattes as Johnny and Debra Messing as Marjorie.

Scherzinger recently starred as Grizabella in the London revival of Cats and is rumored to reprise her Olivier-nominated performance on Broadway later this year. Her additional credits include Maureen in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as a winning turn on Dancing with the Stars, How I Met Your Mother, Men in Black 3 Half & Half and My Wife and Kids.

The TV event (not a live telecast) will be directed by Wayne Blair and choreographed by Hamilton’s Andy Blankenbuehler. Shooting is set for this spring. Additional casting will be announced later.