Melissa Rycroft

A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Rycroft’s first industry appearance was on the 2006 CMT reality series Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which chronicled her quest to become a member of the elite cheer squad. She remained a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader until 2007.

Two years later, Rycroft was one of the 25 women vying for the affection of Jason Mesnick on the 13th season of ABC’s The Bachelor. Rycroft made it to the final rose ceremony and received a wedding proposal from Mesnick.

However, during the show’s After the Rose special, Mesnick famously dumped Rycroft, admitting he was still in love with runner-up Molly Malaney.

In 2009, Rycroft replaced Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell on the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars with just three days of rehearsal time, competing with professional dance partner Tony Dovolani. The pair took third place behind Gilles Marini and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

The reality TV star — who is a special correspondent for Good Morning America — wed insurance agent Tye Strickland in Mexico in December 2009. They are parents to daughter Ava Grace.