Lifetime

Welcome to Miami! Like most reality shows, the runaway ratings hit Dance Moms on Lifetime has seen its share of drama. The original follows instructor Abby Lee Miller, the girls' fiercely competitive instructor, as she tells it like it is — little girls' and their mothers' feelings notwithstanding. Like its predecessor, Toddlers and Tiaras, Dance Moms has proven to be as much about the conflicts and personalities of the don't-call-them-stage-moms stage moms as it is about actual dance (hence the title).

Much of show's controversy has centered on Miller's very demanding teaching style. She is very up front about the fact that she does not baby these girls and expects complete and utter focus and determination — bellyaches, schoolwork, and other kid stuff is irrelevant in her world. Berating both mother and child is a part of the job.

The spinoff takes the wildly successful franchise down South, to the slightly more TV-friendly locale of Miami, FL — the original is filmed in Pittsburgh, PA — to follow two new teachers and a new crop of eager pupils. Maybe the warmer climate will mean a mellower crowd? Let's hope not: that wouldn't make for very good TV now, would it?

Will you tune in for Dance Moms: Miami?

Source: Lifetime

>> Last month, Alexa Chung officially got herself a new TV show on American airwaves. Lifetime ordered 10 episodes of 24 Hour Catwalk, a reality series that Chung will host, with Cynthia Rowley, Derek Blasberg, and publicist James LaForce serving as the judging panel.

In the latest issue of Teen Vogue, Chung talks about her involvement in the show, which follows four designers over the course of 24 hours as they compete in what is framed as a younger, hipper version of Project Runway. The four designers are narrowed down to two based on their vision, talent, and endurance, with a $10,000 grand prize for the ultimate winner. Each episode brings a new crop of competitors.

"With a lot of other fashion shows, it's not actually relevant," Chung says. "I only wanted to do this if it was going to be a genuine search for designers and if I would be working alongside people who are legitimate in the fashion industry." She adds of her last American television experience, hosting It's On With Alexa Chung, which was canceled less than a year into its run: "I got so burnt by the last [show]. [But] everything feels right this time. I really like the team. From day one, we've laughed nonstop."

While Kate Middleton lookalikes book publicity stunts in England, one of her Hollywood lookalikes just had a very lucky day. Camilla Luddington, a British actress whose résumé is filled with roles like "woman," "flight attendant," and "uppity guest," will play the princess-in-waiting in Lifetime's William and Kate, after much speculation.

Normally, starring in a Lifetime Original won't get an actor more than a second condo, but Camilla's career may have just taken a turn for the big time. The movie, which will cover Prince William and Kate's nine-year courtship, is being fast-tracked, so it will air near the royal couple's wedding on April 29.

I can't remember the last time I watched a Lifetime Original, but I will be there when this airs (no next-day, DVR nonsense), and I doubt I'm alone. Lifetime's counting on it! But what of Miss Camilla Luddington? Her future depends (somewhat) on her performance, but could she just ride Kate's royal coattails to fame?

A beautifully pregnant Heidi Klum, alongside Tim Gunn, welcomed the contestants from Project Runway season seven in New York City wearing an eye-catching leopard print tunic. She kept the rest of her ensemble basic in a black blazer, leggings, and booties, accessorizing with gold hoop earrings and a circular cuff bracelet. Get a similar look by shopping these like items now!

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Tyler Florence may be slated to open several new restaurants and stores, but he's certainly not letting that get in the way of what he does best — TV. In addition to Tyler's Ultimate, his current show on Food Network, he's also teamed up with Lifetime and Parade magazine to host a new show, Search For the Greatest American Recipe.

The pilot, which begins production Sunday in Los Angeles, "will follow Florence as he travels to seven regions of the country to find unique homegrown recipes. Regional finalists then compete in a cooking competition that would lead to winning 'Greatest American Recipe.'"

In addition to hosting the show, TyFlo will also play the role of one of the show's judges. I'll be interested to see how the pilot pans out — after all, it sounds a bit like Food Network Challenge meets Chopped. Does Greatest American Recipe sound like something you'd watch?