"**[CASSANDRA THORBURN](https://www.nowtolove.com.au/reality-tv/dancing-with-the-stars/dancing-with-the-stars-samuel-johnson-cassandra-thorburn-53728|target=""_blank""), CHILDREN'S AUTHOR & BROADCASTER, 47** <br><br> Cassandra was initially hesitant about signing up to compete on DWTS. But her late father persuaded her to take part. <br><br> ""It was one of the last conversations I had with my dad before he passed away,"" Cassandra, 47, explains to TV WEEK. <br><br> ""It had been offered to me and at first I thought, 'No, that's crazy – I couldn't possibly do that'."" But Cass changed her mind  when her father told her about the importance of living with no regrets. <br><br> ""He said, 'If you don't take up these opportunities, you'll have regrets.' It was an easy decision after that."" <br><br> The mum of three isn't doing the show just for her dad, but for her fans too. They have supported her since her highly publicised divorce from former *Today* host Karl Stefanovic. <br><br> ""They make me want to dance my heart out for them,"" she says."
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