Paul McCartney's estranged wife will be returning to the spotlight, competing with the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus and former 90210 cast member Ian Ziering on "Dancing With the Stars."

Heather Mills, the 37-year-old former model who lost her left leg in a car accident 14 years ago will be competing on the show that airs on CTV beginning next month.

Talk show host and former Cincinnati mayor Jerry Springer made the announcement on ABC's Good Morning America Wednesday.

"There's a lot of message in that because it's to show people whatever challenges they face in life they can dance," said Springer, himself a former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant.

"She might be a sentimental favourite."

Observers say Mills may be hindered, however, not just by her artificial leg, but by a tide of negative attention from the media and the public since she split with Sir Paul last May.

The couple had been married for four years and have a three-year-old daughter named Beatrice.

In divorce documents made public last year, Mills accused the former Beatle of drug use, violence and verbal abuse during their marriage -- charges that sparked outrage among legions of loyal fans.

Recently, Mills reported to police that she had received death threats and told the BBC she feared for her personal safety and that she had little money to pay for security.

Visitors to her website are now greeted with a red screen and the angry message "Enough is Enough!"

Next there is a letter from Mills' sister Fiona, responding to various reports in the media.

"The main reason that I am responding is that I am deeply concerned for the safety of my sister and her daughter," reads the letter posted on the website.

"They are receiving death threats, not because she is getting a divorce, but because some of the British tabloids decided from day one that they wish to destroy her, create hatred towards her and profit out of doing so. The vicious agenda of these tabloids has resulted in death threats to my family and I want to try to do something."

The "Dancing with the Stars" website said Mills would be the first contestant to dance with an artificial limb.

Mills, also known for her work as an animal rights activist, visited Canada with McCartney just prior to their split, in order to protest the harp seal hunt in Newfoundland.

The couple was photographed frolicking with whitecoat seal pups, and later debated Premier Danny Williams on Larry King Live about the merits of the hunt.

In October, Mills filed divorce papers that accused McCartney of abusing her and portray the former Beatle as being "vindictive." She also accused him of once trying to choke her and even attacking her while she was pregnant, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

Some of Mills' accusations against McCartney:

• He attacked her on four separate occasions, including stabbing her in the arm with a broken wine glass;
• Used illegal drugs and alcohol excessively;
• Abused her verbally, including calling her an "ungrateful bitch";
• And tried to prevent her from breastfeeding their daughter, telling her 'They are my breasts.'