Ben Cousins: Fans react positively to AFL legend’s surprise Dancing with the Stars move

If there was any doubt that former West Coast star and AFL legend Ben Cousins was adored by his home state — it was removed in an instant.

The Brownlow Medallist and six-time All-Australian footballer revealed exclusively to The Sunday Times that he would be tackling his next challenge of taking on Channel 7’s Dancing with the Stars.

The surprise move has come off the back of years of hard work changing his fortunes after the Richmond star was stuck in a troubling period of his life.

Fans have rallied around the once Prince of Perth since he began working at 7NEWS Perth and turning his life around.

Now, they are eagerly waiting to watch him turn up the heat on the dancefloor alongside his dance partner, Siobhan Power.

“I can’t wait, he is a natural, he will be great! Just love that smile,” many of the supportive comments read.

“Great to see him so involved and accepted back in the limelight,” another comment on The Sunday Times’ exclusive story read.

“Lots of hard work and determination right there.

“Well done, it’s great to see you shining, Ben.”

Cousins told The Sunday Times he was in a “good space”.

“It’s good timing, I suppose, in a position to probably take on some new challenges and in a good space,” Cousins told The Sunday Times this week.

“I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to get out of it. But I think it will surprise me. And I have enjoyed it up until now — but it has been hard.

“So there’s certainly no time to lose momentum … or let life get in the way.”

Cousins is the first star confirmed for this year’s DWTS, which producers are promising will see the most unexpected celebrities ever take to the dancefloor.

There will be a shake-up on the judging panel, with Todd McKenney confirming on his social media accounts he won’t be returning due to his stage show with Shane Jacobson.

And Dr Chris Brown will be the new host, alongside Australia’s favourite Sonia Kruger.

“I can’t wait to see Chris covered in fake tan, poured into a Lycra pant, then watch him cha-cha across the DWTS floor in a Cuban heel high on the fumes of hairspray,” she said.

“Having Chris by my side means more fun, more frivolity and more medical attention on hand, just in case one of our celebs needs emergency worming.”