'Dancing' drama: Maria Menounos in love? Jaleel White at war? - Chicago Sun-Times

BY BILL ZWECKER April 3, 2012 9:03PM

A DUO CLICKS “Extra” host Maria Menounos and partner Derek Hough deny hooking up despite their great rapport and the sexy kiss they shared on Monday’s show.

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Updated: April 3, 2012 9:27PM

As usual, there’s plenty of drama on the set of “Dancing With the Stars” â€" ranging from a rumor of budding romance to a tale of outright hatred.

On the happier side of that equation, that very hot kiss Monday night between Maria Menounos and Derek Hough sparked immediate buzz about the duo being a couple â€" which the TV personality and pro dancer have been quick to squelch.

What is true: Menounos and Hough immediately “clicked,” according to a veteran “DWTS” staffer, who added, “I’ve never seen a celebrity and professional dancer hit it off as well as these two have â€" and from the moment they met!”

Another show insider put in his two cents: “That kiss just went with the overall sexiness of that rumba they performed [to ‘Material Girl’]. I think they even out-sexed Madonna!”

† Less happy gossip has been flying about Jaleel White and his partner, Kym Johnson. Despite stories about raging arguments, much screaming and walking out of rehearsals, my “DWTS” sources say there is tension â€" but not as much as has been reported.

“No, they are not Maria and Derek, that’s for sure,” laughed my original “Dancing” backstage spy. “But the stories out there about them hating each other are very exaggerated. They are both settling down. It should be getting better now.

“A little tension is expected, but there were a few more temper flare-ups with Jaleel and Kym than anyone expected.”

† Now free of the contest’s drama is soap star Jack Wagner, dismissed on Tuesday’s episode.

STILL TOGETHER? While everyone thought Eva Longoria and Eduardo Cruz had moved on, the former couple again have been spotted looking very chummy at a number of L.A. sites the past few days.

Word has it, after they split, the actress and Penelope Cruz’s brother realized they missed each other more than they expected.

† Along those lines, there’s buzz that Ashley Olsen has reconnected with ex-beau Jared Leto.

 

EVEN BUSIER: Ryan Seacrest’s NBC Universal deal, expected to be announced on Wednesday’s “Today” show, reportedly adds a new “Today” role plus London Olympics broadcast duties to the media mogul’s already amazing workload that includes fronting “American Idol,” producing mega-hit reality shows, starring on E! News and hosting a daily radio gig.

No word how Matt Lauer feels about the Seacrest deal, coming as his own contract nears expiration and he attempts a big payday boost.

H E DID IT AGAIN! Someone really needs to teach Levi Johnston a thing or two about birth control. After fathering a baby with ex-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol, Johnston now has knocked up Sunny Oglesby, his current girlfriend and a 20-year-old preschool teacher in his Wasilla, Alaska, hometown.

† And while we’re on the baby beat, congrats to Bruce Willis. It’s a good thing the veteran action hero loves little girls, as the son-less actor’s wife Emma Heming has just given birth to the couple’s first child â€" little Mabel Ray.

Willis, of course, has three older daughters â€" Rumer, Tallulah and Scout â€" with ex-wife Demi Moore.

DENIAL: While Bruno Mars’ sexuality has been frequently debated, the singer is denying a report â€" posted on April 1, of all days â€" that he revealed he was gay on a Chicago radio show.

TRIPLE THREAT: Neil Patrick Harris â€" clearly one guy who makes no bones about being gay â€" has been tapped to again host the Tony Awards for the third year in a row. The actor has rated raves from all for his flawless emceeing of Broadway’s biggest night.

COMING HERE: For Chicago area fans of the ubiquitous Kardashians, be aware Kourtney, Kim and Khloe all are scheduled to appear April 20 at the Sears in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg to boost their endorsed wares.