Diletta Leotta says no to Dancing with the Stars 21, the behind-the-scenes story

There's just over a month to go until the start of Dancing with the Stars 21 , and Milly Carlucci is finalizing the cast of her Saturday night show on Rai 1. According to the weekly magazine Chi, however, one name long sought has reportedly said no: Diletta Leotta , courted with a staggering fee, has reportedly turned down the offer. Here's the background and the reasons behind the refusal.

Chi's scoop on Diletta Leotta's "no" vote.

The weekly magazine Chi broke the story, with its Wednesday preview preview teased by journalist Giuseppe Candela on social media. Diletta Leotta was supposed to be the hidden card, the final blow of the cast: Milly Carlucci and Rai allegedly put a huge budget on the table to convince her to participate as a contestant.

The Dazn spokesperson, after considering it, has reportedly decided to decline the public service's offer. A no that, according to Chi, comes despite a huge fee , just as the show's official profiles are starting to reveal the first confirmed cast members.

Why Diletta Leotta said no

The commitment of the tests

The main reason for the rejection is said to be the commitment required. Taking part in Ballando means months of intense, constant rehearsals, which take up much of the day and leave little time for any other activity.

For the host, busy with Dazn and other projects, it would be too much to bear right now. Her experience at the helm of La Talpa demonstrates how busy her work schedule is.

Family and young children

Diletta Leotta's private life also played a role. Just a few months ago, she became a mother for the second time: little Leonardo was born , following her firstborn, Aria.

A demanding commitment like Dancing with the Stars, with Saturday night tapings and daily rehearsals, would be difficult to reconcile with caring for two young children. It's a balancing act between career and family, in short, rather than a rethinking of the program.

The cast is not yet complete

Despite the announcements, the cast of Dancing with the Stars 21 isn't yet finalized. According to rumors, two names remain undecided and a third is yet to be revealed , with production working to complete the lineup before the show's premiere.

The new edition, airing from October 3rd on Rai 1, presents itself with several slots still empty, among surprises and confirmations that fans are commenting on social media.

Milly Carlucci's relaunch

The question circulating these days is just one: will Milly Carlucci attempt a last-minute relaunch to convince Diletta Leotta? According to Chi, it's not out of the question, given the budget already allocated and the desire to close the cast with a splash.

The DAZN host hasn't released an official statement yet, and her refusal remains a press leak. In the meantime, for those who don't want to miss a thing, tonight's TV schedule is always a good place to start.

When does Dancing with the Stars 21 start?

The new edition starts on October 3, 2026 , in prime time on Rai 1, hosted by Milly Carlucci.

Did Diletta Leotta confirm her no?

No, for now it's just a rumor from the weekly magazine Chi: the person directly involved hasn't released any official statements yet.

Who revealed the background story?

The weekly magazine Chi, with the Wednesday preview previewed on social media by journalist Giuseppe Candela.