Heather Mills surprises on 'Dancing with the Stars'

By Stone Martindale Mar 20, 2007, 7:13 GMT

03/15/2007 - Heather Mills - © Solarpix / Photorazzi

It must be a nice break from the English media and worries that some crazed McCartney fan will conk her in the head, but Heather Mills feared no dance floor as she stepped up and performed gracefully with her prosthetic leg on American television.

Mills' appearance on "Dancing With the Stars" on Monday night had been eagerly awaited, despite bookies taking odds on whether her leg would become suddenly airborne.

The ABC show is in its fourth season, the new twist being Macca's 39-year-old estranged wife as one of the 11 celebrity contestants.

Heather Mills, was joined by her dancing partner Jonathan Roberts.

"Dancing" host Tom Bergeron reminded viewers that contenders include "our first performer with an artificial limb."  Mills told viewers she hoped her appearance would inspire others with a disability. Mills lost the lower part of her left leg in a traffic accident 14 years ago.

Mills was graceful in a foxtrot with her partner Jonathan Roberts. The routine included a kick with her artificial left leg.

"You've got more guts than Rambo," said judge Bruno Tonioli.  Judge Len Goodman stated, "There was far more right about that routine than was wrong."  The judges' total score: 18 out of 30.

Other contestants included former "Beverly Hills 90210" star Ian Ziering with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.

Former 'N Sync member Joey Fatone with partner Kym Johnson got the night's highest score from the judges: 24 out of a possible 30.

Contenders include boxer Laila Ali; country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus; Miss USA 2004, Shandi Finnessey; and former "Cheers" star John Ratzenberger.