NBC announces the cast of The Celebrity Circus

NBC\'S "CELEBRITY CIRCUS" HITS THE HIGH WIRE WITH ALL-STAR CAST TO COMPETE IN DEATH DEFYING CIRCUS ACTS HOSTED BY JOEY FATONE TO PREMIERE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 (9:30-11 P.M. ET)

Antonio Sabato Jr., Blu Cantrell, Christopher Knight, Janet Evans, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna and Rachel Hunter Put Their Lives on the Line in Daredevil Circus Acts Before a Live Studio Audience

BURBANK, Calif. - April 23, 2008 - NBC\'s daring new series "Celebrity Circus" features six celebrities who will perform some of the most death-defying circus acts ever seen on television. Antonio Sabato Jr., Blu Cantrell, Christopher Knight, Janet Evans, Jason "Wee Man" Acuna and Rachel Hunter will attempt breathtaking stunts in a head-to-head competition in front of a live studio audience. Each week viewers at home will cast their votes for the best acts and determine which of the celebrities is going home. Hosted by former *NSYNC member and Emmy Red Carpet host Joey Fatone, "Celebrity Circus" brings the incredible world of the Big Top into America\'s living rooms in a special 90 minute premiere on Wednesday, June 11 at 9:30 P.M. ET.

With stunning visuals, dramatic stories, and breathtaking stunts, "Celebrity Circus" will follow the entire journey from the star\'s first terrifying climb up the high wire ladder to the last nerve-wracking rehearsal. Guided by top experts in specialties like High Wire, Fire Dancing, Hand Balancing, Flying Trapeze, Chinese Poles, Aerial Silks, and the Wheel of Death, the stars will have eight weeks to train and perfect their acts. Then, in a stunning and magical circus environment, they will showcase their amazing skills for America. To perform at their best, they will have to go beyond anything they have done before, pushing their bodies and minds to the limits. The stars will be joined on stage by the experts who trained them to create rich, multi-dimensional acts. After each performance the competitors will face our judges, experts from the cirque world, who will be candidly honest in their assessment of each act.

ABOUT THE CELEBRITY CONTESTANTS

Antonio Sabato Jr. is best known for his roles on various television shows including "General Hospital" and "Melrose Place." He was also seen opposite Mark Wahlberg in the feature film "The Big Hit." Sabato Jr. was a part of the most successful Calvin Klein underwear campaign in the company\'s history.

Blu Cantrell is a Grammy and AMA nominated R&B soul singer. Cantrell\'s debut album "So Blu" was released in 2001 and eventually went platinum. The album featured the hit single "Hit \'Em Up Style (Oopps!)" and peaked at the #2 spot on the US Billboard top 100 singles chart.

Christopher Knight is best known for his role as Peter Brady on the classic television show "The Brady Bunch." In addition to acting, Knight has also had a very successful career in marketing and technology companies often doubling their bottom lines.

Janet Evans is one of the most well known Olympic athletes in recent history. In 1988 she won three individual gold medals at the Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. Evans also won individual gold and silver medals at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.

Jason "Wee Man" Acuna is an accomplished television host and actor. Best known for his starring role in "Jackass," Acuna continues to shock his audiences with his outrageous and comedic stunts. He is also a professional skateboarder.

Rachel Hunter is a supermodel and actress. Hunter began her modeling career at the age of 17 and rose to the top as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in the late 80\'s and early 90\'s.

Celebrity Circus is produced by Endemol USA, the Emmy Award-winning company behind "Deal or No Deal," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Big Brother," and "Fear Factor." David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. Matt Kunitz ("Fear Factor") is the executive producer and Rick Ringbakk ("The Amazing Race") serves as co-executive producer.

Source: TheFutonCritic.com