Castillo to be Flatley's 'Dance' partner

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. actress and television personality Susie Castillo has been named the co-host of the new series "Superstars of Dance," NBC said Thursday.

Castillo, a former Miss USA who is also known for her work on the TV comedy "House of Payne," as well as her presenting duties on MTV's "TRL" and "Big Ten," will star in "Dance" alongside Michael Flatley.

"Superstars of Dance" is an international dance competition featuring countries from across the globe including Argentina, Australia, China, India, Ireland, Russia, South Africa and the United States. Each country will showcase dance genres unique to their nation such as the Shaolin Monks from China, Russian Cossack dancers and Bhangra dancers from India, NBC said in a news release.

The new series from executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, two of the masterminds behind "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," is set to debut Jan. 4.