Chandler Kinney Pitches ‘Elle’ Co-Star June Diane Raphael for ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Chandler Kinney, who competed in Season 33 of "Dancing With the Stars," has identified her "Elle" co-star June Diane Raphael as a prime candidate for the show's next season. Kinney cited Raphael's work ethic and perceived dance abilities as reasons she would excel in the ballroom competition.

"She would be amazing. I think June is next in line. I’m gonna put up June for the task, her work ethic is insane," Kinney told Decider. "I think she would be a menace out on that dance floor."

In the Amazon Prime Video series "Elle," which is a prequel to "Legally Blonde," Raphael portrays Eva Woods, the mother of the protagonist. Kinney, who plays Kimberly, a high school rival to the main character, described Raphael as a motherly figure on set, offering guidance and advice to the younger cast members.

Kinney also shared that she has witnessed Raphael's dancing firsthand. "I’ve seen her out [on a dance floor], I’ve had the privilege, and that girl can move. She can bust a move. I think that she would be incredible on the show," Kinney stated.

Another cast member, Gabrielle Policano, who plays Liz, echoed Kinney's sentiments regarding Raphael's performance skills. Policano highlighted Raphael's improvisational talent, noting her ability to quickly generate jokes that resonate with the cast and crew. "June will do this thing a lot where she does a lot of [improv lines], they come to her so fast it’s almost scary," Policano said. "She’ll do one of them and be like, ‘Give me one more,’ and she’ll just come out with the next thing, and that will happen like five times in a row. And we’re always [watching] like, ‘Each one was better than the last.’"

Kinney added that Raphael's comedic timing and ability to deliver sharp lines are impressive. "She will just go to a place and she’ll just say, ‘Can I have another?’ And then she’ll deliver a zinger and it’s a master class," Kinney commented.

While Raphael's potential participation in "Dancing With the Stars" remains uncertain, Kinney expressed enthusiasm for the possibility. "Dancing With the Stars" Season 33 concluded with Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong finishing in third place. The first season of "Elle" is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.