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'Dancing's' Ricki Lake 'bruised,' but 'not complaining'

Ricki Lake's says she bears ballroom battle wounds from five hours of dance practice each day, but adds that losing weight is a big perk to the job.
/ Source: Access Hollywood

Ricki Lake will head back into the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom on Monday for her second performance alongside professional partner Derek Hough, and although it’s early in the “Dancing” season, the veteran TV personality says she already bears ballroom battle wounds.

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“I’m having a great time, but I am bruised from head to toe,” Ricki told Access Hollywood at Variety’s Third Annual Power of Women Luncheon in Beverly Hills on Friday. “I am covered.”

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Despite her minor injuries, Ricki is ecstatic over her new gig.

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'Dancing With the Stars' season 13 cast

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“I’m loving every minute of it — I’m not complaining,” she quickly clarified. “I really feel like it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m making the most of it and just having a blast!”

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In addition to having fun, Ricki, 43, is thrilled with another “Dancing” side effect — shedding extra pounds.

“I’m dropping weight. I mean, it’s understandable — you work out five hours a day non-stop, you’re going to lose weight, but it’s really amazing!” Ricki, who said she lost a total of 8.5 inches after just two weeks of dancing, told Access. “That’s one of the perks.”

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As for which of her fellow “DWTS” Season 13 competitors will be the most challenging to beat, Ricki revealed she has her eye on three celebrity dancers in particular.

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“Chynna (Phillips) was amazing, J.R. (Martinez) is incredible, David Arquette is so lovable,” she said. “All of them are really special in their own right.”

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Watch Ricki and Derek tackle the jive on Monday’s “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC.