Soap queen Susan Lucci is putting on her dancing shoes for the next season of "Dancing with the Stars," and she's telling ET about her reaction to joining the cast!

"I am thrilled to be on 'Dancing with the Stars' this season," she says. "I have always been a big fan of the show. This is going to be an amazing life experience for me. I've already begun to work with my dance partner, Tony [Dovolani], and could not be more thrilled to be working with him. This is a very exciting time and I look forward to the journey."