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*NBC has finally given the green light for media outlets to announce the new 16-member cast of "Celebrity Apprentice," which returns for its eighth season on March 1.
While Dennis Rodman and Brian McKnight had been leaked previously as part of the crew, Thursday's official announcement also revealed Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins of the R&B group TLC, "Deal or No Deal" model Claudia Jordan and former football great Herschel Walker as contestants for the new run.
"I have a competitive nature," Walker told the Associated Press, "but this (show) is really different, where some people are conniving and cheating. I say, I'm gonna stay true to my morals."
Then he grinned disarmingly and drawled, "I tell 'em, I'm just a little country boy from Georgia."
New cast members Joan and Melissa Rivers, Andrew Dice Clay and Khloe Kardashian were also leaked shortly after NBC revealed the cast to advertisers in New York early last October.
Country music's Clint Black, former "Baywatch" star Brande Roderick, Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton, comedian Tom Green, poker champ Annie Duke, pro golfer Natalie Gulbis, and former "Monster Garage" host Jesse James round out the cast.
The 16 celebrities will not be vying for a job with Donald Trump, as in past civilian "Apprentice" seasons, but instead will compete in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for their favorite charities.
(McKnight's chosen charity is Youthville USA, while Watkins will be playing for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Kardashian has chosen the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Awareness.)