Ricki Lake sure is in it to win it!
The Dancing With the Stars celeb may argue that war vet J.R. Martinez is the one to beat, but if Lake's Monday night quickstep routine was any indication, she may give Martinez a strong run for that mirrorball trophy.
"I am more than a competitive person," the 43-year-old talk show host said during rehearsals for Monday night's dance with pro partner Derek Hough. "When I sign up, I want to win."
Struggling with the routine's fast-paced choreography in rehearsals ("I'm basically running the whole time," she said), Lake made sure to bring her A-game when she hit the floor.
Dancing to "Luck Be a Lady" from Guys and Dolls for DWTS' Broadway week, Lake and Hough, 26, earned well-deserved raves from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
"Impeccable style, outstanding choreography," Tonioli gushed to Lake, who showed off her 20 lbs. lighter frame in a glittery gold strapless gown.
Added Inaba: "It's beautiful to see such poetry in motion. It was everything a number should be."
Lake — who performed a group routine with Rob Kardashian, David Arquette and DWTS' other celebs — was more than pleased with her and Hough's near-perfect score of 29 out of 30 points.
Receiving such positive feedback "is amazing because you really want to do your best out there," Lake reasoned to cohost Brooke Burke-Charvet. "I'm just so happy that everybody liked it! J.R. is the guy to beat — he is amazing — but I'd happily take second to the war hero."
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