After two years away from television, Paula Deen makes a comeback in the most unexpected way possible: the "Dancing With the Stars" dance floor.

The reality show is Deen's first time back in the spotlight since her controversial exit from Food Network back in 2013, and she's looking forward to her new debut. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the celebrity chef explained the driving force behind her bid for the Mirror Ball trophy, which is less about her than it is for the audience.

"I just want to bring hope, especially to older women in the middle part of their life," Deen said during the interview. "You can have a lot of obstacles come your way that are unexpected. I just want to help women realize that they can overcome."

She expressed appreciation for her supporters saying, "I have gotten so many thousands upon thousands of well-wishers contacting me. It's so important that I not let them down. I want to dance to the moon and make them proud and just bring hope."

The battle to the top will certainly be tough in the upcoming season of "Dancing With the Stars," with fresh talent and experienced personalities accepting the challenge. While Deen found inspiration from her loyal fanbase, 17-year-old Bindi Irwin took some time to remember her late father Steve Irwin in another interview with Entertainment Tonight.

"I think that even though Dad wasn't known for his dancing, he was always so supportive," she shared. "That's why I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful family. My mum and brother will be here with me throughout every step of the way."

She concluded, "I hope to be able to make Dad proud, and I'm working to see how far I can take this."

Deen and Irwin will battle for the top spot in the 21st season of "Dancing With the Stars" with their respective partners Louis Van Amstel and Derek Hough. Other pairs who are set to join them are Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold, Alexa PenaVega and Mark Ballas, Andy Grammer and Allison Holker, Carlos PenaVega and Witney Carson, Chaka Khan and Keo Motsepe, Gary Busey and Anna Trebunskaya, Hayes Grier and Emma Slater, Kim Zolciak Biermann and Tony Dovolani, Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess, Tamar Braxton and Valentin Chmerkovskiy as well as Victor Espinoza and Karina Smirnoff.

Which partnership will find success this season? Find out when "Dancing With the Stars" season 21 debuts on Monday, Sept. 14.

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