Mills to hit the TV dancefloor in US

Heather Mills is to be a contestant on the US version of TV's Strictly Come Dancing.

The estranged wife of Sir Paul McCartney, who lost her left leg in an accident 14 years ago, will compete on Dancing With The Stars from next month.

Mills' appearance on the hugely popular show comes during her bitter divorce battle with the former Beatle.

The one-time model, 38, and Sir Paul, 64, announced in May that they were ending their four-year marriage.

Chat show host and previous contestant Jerry Springer announced Mills would be taking part on Good Morning America on ABC, the network that broadcasts Dancing with the Stars.

Mills' rivals will include boxer Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila, herself a champ in the ring; Achy Breaky Heart singer Billy Ray Cyrus; a former member of boyband 'N Sync Joey Fatone; and Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore.

Springer said of Mills' involvement: 'There's a lot of message in that because it's to show people whatever challenges they face in life they can dance.' He added: 'She might be a sentimental favourite.'

It had been rumoured for some time that Mills would take part in the high-profile show but she had denied any such plans. Mills is rumoured to be donating much of her fee for the show to charity.

She has campaigned for landmine victims in the past and against animal cruelty. The show will hit screens in the US from March 19.