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Dancing With the Stars

Ricki Lake Is 'Terrified' to Perform on Dancing with the Stars

By Liz Raftery

08/30/2011 at 02:55 PM EDT

Ricki Lake seems to already be fully embracing her upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars – and battling nerves at the same time.

In a new video posted on YouTube, the actress and former talk show host – wearing a tutu – gamely admits, "I'm more than a little nervous. I'm actually terrified."

The newly engaged Lake, 42, encouraged fans to send her dancing pointers via Twitter, insisting her starring role as Tracy Turnblad in the original film version of Hairspray back in 1988 does not put her at an advantage.

PHOTOS: Meet Dancing's Season 13 Stars!

"I was faking it," she said of the role. "I am not a trained dancer. I have no idea what I'm doing."

She also gives a shout-out to former contestant Kirstie Alley.

"She was a big inspiration for me last season," Lake said. "I'm hoping I do half as well as she did."

Added Lake: "I'm really excited and I can't wait to start."

The season 13 lineup also includes Chaz Bono, Nancy Grace, Kristin Cavallari, David Arquette and more.