Fraudster Anna Delvey makes her DWTS debut with ankle monitor
As one of the world's most famous fraudsters she might be more used to an orange jumpsuit than a dancer's costume.
But there was no mistaking Anna Sorokin as she waltzed back into the spotlight on the US version of Dancing With The Stars while wearing a bejewelled ankle monitor.
The 33-year-old, known as the 'fake heiress', was convicted in 2019 on multiple theft charges after posing as a wealthy socialite to infiltrate the elite of New York.
Under the name Anna Delvey she falsified records and deceived banks and the wealthy to swindle them out of more than $275,000.
Her story inspired the hit Netflix drama Inventing Anna, starring Julia Garner as the titular grifter.
And Sorokin, who wore a multicoloured two-piece outfit and heels, did not let the extra weight of her ankle tag affect her footwork.
She earned 18 points out of a possible 30 for her debut performance of the Cha Cha with professional partner Ezra Sosa.
The Russian-born fraudster, who is under house arrest, said she hoped fans of Dancing With The Stars who had a negative opinion of her would give her a chance.
'I did serve my time and Dancing With The Stars is a way for me to show people a different side of me,' she said. 'My prior history shows I'm pretty determined. It's a good quality to channel into something positive.'
She added: 'I am wearing an ankle bracelet. I overstayed my visa because I was in jail.
'I reinvented myself many times and this time I'm going to be a ballroom dancer.'
Judges on the show include former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli.
The competition continues next Tuesday with the 13 couples all vying for the coveted glitterball trophy.
