ABC AND BBC WORLDWIDE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE RAY CHEW AS THE NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR OF "DANCING WITH THE STARS"

Chew's Band Will Feature Live Musicians and Singers, Beginning with the Premiere of Season 18 on Monday, March 17

"Dancing with the Stars" will welcome Music Director and Composer Ray Chew to the ballroom with the premiere of season 18 on Monday, March 17 at 8:00 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network. Chew's band will feature a new line-up of live musicians and singers performing music ranging from the latest pop hits to the great standards of the past.

Conrad Green, Executive Producer of "Dancing with the Stars" said, "Live music is the lifeblood of DWTS and we couldn't be more excited to be working with Ray and his talented band. Ray is one of the most versatile and dynamic musicians working today. It promises to be a spectacular season."

Ray Chew commented, "I'm looking forward to continuing the musical legacy established on 'Dancing with the Stars,' a show that respects live music and musicians. It is important to me and to the producers to maintain the integrity of the music presentation for the dancers as well as for the viewers. Towards that end, my approach will be to utilize first class live vocalists, arrangers, copyists and musicians of all instruments."

Chew has most recently served as the Music Director of the 65th Annual Emmy(R) Awards. He has also been seen on such network television series and specials as "American Idol," "It's Showtime at the Apollo," and additional historic landmark events ranging from President Obama's Inaugural Neighborhood Ball to the Democratic National Convention. Chew also conducted a 63 piece orchestra for Carnegie Hall's sold out "A Night of Inspiration," a live event he produced as part of their diversity series.

"Dancing with the Stars" is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green, Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.

About BBC Worldwide Productions

BBC Worldwide Productions is a key business under BBC Worldwide North America, the U.S. division of the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), BBC Worldwide. Led by Jane Tranter, BBC Worldwide Productions is based in Los Angeles and develops and produces scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks, as well as digital platforms. The production company is responsible for various titles including the upcoming "Criminal Justice" (HBO) and "Intruders" (BBC AMERICA) as well as "Getting On" (HBO), "Top Gear" (HISTORY), "What Not to Wear" (TLC) and the cultural phenomenon, "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC).