“Dancing” Dumps Old Cloris for Heartache Toni

Photo Courtesy of TMZ.com

For “Dancing with the Stars,” heart trouble makes for a better handicap than old age.

82-year-old Oscar-winner Cloris Leachman was originally courted by “DWTS” honchos, we’ve learned, because they needed someone for the “disability” slot — think Heather Mills (one leg) or Marlee Maltin (deaf). They figured her age would fit the bill — until they got Toni Braxton, who has a heart condition, to sign on, as TMZ first told you. That’s when they put Cloris’ dancing shoes … six feet under.

BTW: We also hear “DWTS” peeps are over the moon that Jewel and rodeo dude Ty Murray — who are both in the mix for next season — just eloped in the Bahamas, because the whole boyfriend versus girlfriend storyline they wanted to exploit just got amped up to husband-wife. And we know how married couples can get.

And get this: The Lance Bass rumors? Half true. Yes, he”s definitely on, but no, he won’t mambo with a man.

An ABC rep tells TMZ, “We don’t comment on casting rumors, but the official cast will be announced on August 25th on ”Good Morning America.'”

Toni Braxton Set For “DWTS”

Our “Dancing with the Stars” spies tell us Toni Braxton will put on her dancing shoes for the show this season. Toni, who quit her Vegas gig due to heart complications, continues the “DWTS” tradition of dancers with some form of challenge: Heather Mills (leg), Marlee Matlin (deaf) and Tucker Carlson (rhythm).

DWTS Production team would not confirm anything.