VINCENT PASTORE WITHDRAWS FROM �DANCING WITH THE STARS�

In the first of what promise to be many surprises in the fourth season of �Dancing with the Stars,� actor Vincent Pastore, sixty years of age, has withdrawn from the competition after one week of training. Pastore came to the decision that the physical demands of a ten-week season would be too difficult for him to undertake.

�When I initially committed to joining �Dancing with the Stars,� I didn�t realize just how physically demanding it would be for me. Unable to put forth my best effort, I felt it appropriate to step aside and give someone else the opportunity,� said Pastore. �I�d like to thank ABC and the show�s producers for inviting me to participate. I wish my partner, Edyta, and the other dancers the best of luck.�

Executive producer Conrad Green added: �We�re sad that Vincent felt he was unable to continue in the competition, as he would have been great on the show -- but we appreciate him standing aside now rather than having to withdraw later. �Dancing with the Stars� is physically demanding and it pays to know your limits. We respect his decision.�

�Dancing with the Stars� is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, �Strictly Come Dancing.� This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide. Conrad Green and Richard Hopkins are executive producers and Izzie Pick is co-executive producer. Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are supervising producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.