{"id":2152896,"date":"2025-11-13T00:23:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T00:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2152896"},"modified":"2025-11-13T00:23:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T00:23:04","slug":"dwts-season-1-winner-kelly-monaco-makes-rare-appearance-at-20th-anniversary-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/dwts-season-1-winner-kelly-monaco-makes-rare-appearance-at-20th-anniversary-show\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018DWTS\u2019 Season 1 Winner Kelly Monaco Makes Rare Appearance at 20th Anniversary Show"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Tuesday, November 11, episode of <em><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/show\/dancing-with-the-stars\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Dancing With the Stars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Dancing With the Stars<\/a><\/em> was a milestone moment, and for eagle-eyed fans, the surprises were not just confined to the main stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The <em>Dancing With the Stars<\/em> 20th anniversary special episode honored the beloved competition show, with <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/tom-bergeron\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tom Bergeron;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Tom Bergeron<\/a> returning to guest judge alongside <em>DWTS<\/em> favs <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/carrie-ann-inaba\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Carrie Ann Inaba;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Carrie Ann Inaba<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/bruno-tonioli\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bruno Tonioli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bruno Tonioli<\/a>, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/derek-hough\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Derek Hough;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Derek Hough<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In addition to all six of the original pro dancers returning to perform, viewers looked back on the show\u2019s history, along with highlights and most memorable moments. The episode also included a heartfelt tribute to the <em>DWTS<\/em> contestants who have passed, along with plenty of familiar faces and a few surprises.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">But a big shock for many was in the audience, as Season 1 Winner <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/kelly-monaco\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kelly Monaco;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kelly Monaco<\/a> was spotted cheering next to Season 6 winner <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/kristi-yamaguchi\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Kristi Yamaguchi;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Kristi Yamaguchi<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a post on X (formerly Twitter), one fan posted a picture of Monaco with the caption: \u201cGuys, I just about jumped outta my seat!!!!!! Look who it is!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Monaco, best known for her role as Sam McCall on <em><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/show\/general-hospital\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:General Hospital;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">General Hospital<\/a><\/em>, competed in the inaugural season of <em>DWTS<\/em> back in 2005 with professional partner Alec Mazo. The duo shared the show\u2019s first \u201cjourney arc\u201d success as they started a bit rough, but their steady improvement led to landing the coveted Mirrorball trophy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Monaco returned for <em>DWTS<\/em> <em>All-Stars<\/em> in 2012, again partnered with Mazo, but was eliminated before the finals.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Tom Bergeron, Kelly Monaco, Alec Mazo on dancing With the Stars<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">ABC<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In 2024, her character Sam McCall was killed off on <em>General Hospital<\/em> after appearing on the ABC daytime soap for 21 years. Sam died from a complication following a liver donation to Lulu Spencer. The actress is said to <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/1149275\/kelly-monaco-general-hospital-sam-mccall-killed-off\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:have been \u201cblindsided\u201d;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">have been \u201cblindsided\u201d<\/a> by the decision to write her out of the show, according to sources. Since first appearing in 2003, Monaco had filmed more than 2,200 episodes of <em>General Hospital.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After her exit from <em>General Hospital<\/em>, she <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/articles\/kelly-monaco-shanna-moakler-podcast-150728368.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:announced the podcast Bad Bunnies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">announced the podcast <em>Bad Bunnies<\/em><\/a> with actress and former Miss USA <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/shanna-moakler\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Shanna Moakler;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Shanna Moakler<\/a> in March 2025. However, in July 2025, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/tv\/news\/shanna-moakler-says-kelly-monaco-not-doing-podcast\/ar-AA1JiuYw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Moakler revealed;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Moakler revealed<\/a> that the podcast was not happening as Monaco was \u201cdealing with some personal things.\u201d Instead, Moakler moved forward with a new podcast called <em>Wicked Awesome<\/em> alongside <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/people\/claudia-jordan\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Claudia Jordan;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Claudia Jordan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She has since kept a low profile, so fans were especially pleased to see her at the outing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Fans responded to the X post in delight, confusing a few folks who were out of the loop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t she be there? She was the first winner,\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TiffPrince1\/status\/1988459654876164234\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:asked one person.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">asked one person.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cShe\u2019s kinda quiet and private, we rarely see her,\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/LSA8M\/status\/1988629909359460814\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:responded another;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">responded another<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cBc we rarely see Kelly, like ever. She doesn\u2019t post on socials either so it was a surprise for me,\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/LSA8M\/status\/1988632437023199531\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:said another;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">said another<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Monaco credits <em>DWTS<\/em> with allowing fans to see her for the first time other than Sam. \u201cI swear to you, from the first airing of <em>Dancing With the Stars<\/em>, almost overnight, it was a switch in support, because then I wasn\u2019t Sam,\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.soapoperadigest.com\/content\/general-hospitals-kelly-monaco-makes-rare-appearance-at-dancing-with-the-stars-20th-birthday-party\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:said Monaco;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">said Monaco<\/a>. \u201cBreaking the fourth wall, sometimes that works out badly for people, but for me, it worked in my favor, and I think I was able to gain some respect from the audience, and they didn\u2019t think I was, like, this trashy whore who was sleeping with her stepfather.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em><strong>Dancing With the Stars<\/strong><\/em><strong>, Season 34, Tuesdays, 8\/7c, ABC<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Read the latest entertainment news on <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvinsider.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:TV Insider;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">TV Insider<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Tuesday, November 11, episode of Dancing With the Stars was a milestone moment, and for eagle-eyed fans, the surprises were not just confined to the main stage. The Dancing With the Stars 20th anniversary special episode honored the beloved competition show, with Tom Bergeron returning to guest judge alongside DWTS favs Carrie Ann Inaba, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2152897,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[344312,41508,32260,384672,384670,412043],"class_list":["post-2152896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-carrie-ann-inaba","tag-dancing-with-the-stars","tag-general-hospital","tag-monaco","tag-sam-mccall","tag-westin-bonaventure-hotel"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u2018DWTS-Season-1-Winner-Kelly-Monaco-Makes-Rare-Appearance-at.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2152896","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2152896"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2152896\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2152898,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2152896\/revisions\/2152898"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2152897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2152896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2152896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2152896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}