Mario LopezTelevision star Mario Lopez has been tapped to host the 2007 Miss America Pageant, airing live from The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, Jan. 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CMT

Sarah Brock, CMT executive producer and vice president, production, music and events, notes: "Mario Lopez is a fantastic choice to host the 2007 Miss America Pageant. With his soaring popularity, his former hosting experience and his undeniable charm, he will certainly excel as this year's host."

Sam Haskell III, chairman of the board for the Miss America Organization, adds: "We are pleased that immediately following his successful star turn on Dancing With the Stars, Mario Lopez has agreed to host the Pageant. Our executive producers Sarah Brock and Don Mischer did an outstanding job securing Mario, and we are honored to welcome him into the Miss America family."

Mario LopezHe may have lost out in the final of Dancing With The Stars reality ballroom contest, but actor Mario Lopez won't be hanging up his salsa shoes just yet - he's set to star in Broadway's "The Producers." The star has been in negotiations to play Leo Bloom in the stageshow, opposite former Tony Danza next year.

But there could be a Broadway battle for Lopez's services - the New York Post reports the producers of "Chicago" are also keen to sign the actor up as singing-and-dancing lawyer Billy Flynn in 2007.

Mario LopezMario Lopez is set to star in the big screen remake of Dirty Dancing, taking over the role that helped make Patrick Swayze famous, according to media reports. Lopez is currently winning over legions of fans with his fancy footwork on the hit reality TV show Dancing With The Stars.

The actor is reportedly favoured to step into the role of Johnny Castle, and filmmakers are expected to go with an unknown actress to play the female lead. According to Sky Showbiz, producers may be launching their own reality TV series to find a female star to take on the role of Baby, which was played by Jennifer Grey in the original film.

Swayze has slammed plans for a remake saying, "I think that the original really stands up well and both leads were great! We seem intent on re-making everything right now."

Mario LopezTV star Mario Lopez has denied reports he is dating "maybe" single actress Eva Longoria. Last Friday, Longoria's representative announced she is experiencing "a difficult time" with her boyfriend, basketball player Tony Parker.

She has since been spotted with heartthrob Lopez, who she described as her "best friend." However, Lopez insists, "We're just friends. No, we've been friends for a long time. She's just a friend of mine.