Mischa Barton, Jodie Sweetin Reveal Why They Joined ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Mischa Barton and Jodie Sweetin share a lot more in common than you think. Both actresses are former child stars who have gone through their share of public struggles. Now they’re both appearing on Season 22 of Dancing with the Stars.

The O.C. alum is finally revealing why she decided to join the long-running dancing competition. Us Weekly spoke to Mischa Barton at Good Morning America’s Dancing with the Stars casting reveal on Tuesday, March 8.

“I just wanted to try something new,” she simply said. “And push myself!”

When E! News correspondent Erin Lim spoke to the actress after the cast reveal on GMA, Mischa admitted that she’s been asked to do the show in the past.

“They’ve asked me for many years and it just wasn’t working with my schedule and it just wasn’t the right time. I just like staying busy and it’s fun training and why not? It’s a challenge and it’s a nice thing to do for a second and see how you do!”

The 30-year-old actress revealed that she’s most excited about “the costumes and the music” and, of course, the dancing.

“I’m excited about Artem being my partner,” Mischa said before asking him if he has “a reputation” for taking his shirt off.

“I’m just going to go,” the pro blushed and responded before pretending to walk away.

Barton will be competing for the coveted Mirrorball trophy with partner Artem Chigvinstev, who is going up against Fuller House star Jodie Sweetin and her dancing partner Keo Motsepe.

Sweetin previously revealed to E! News that the reason why she turned down the show in the past was also due to scheduling conflicts with Fuller House.

“I’ve always loved to dance, and Stephanie was a dancer on the show, and I danced growing up. I have some experience. I have some rhythm.”

The actress has been showing off some of her dance moves on Netflix’s rebooted series Fuller House. Maks Chmerkovskiy and Val Chmerkovskiy both appeared in one episode of the sitcom, and Sweetin even lead a Bollywood-inspired dance number later on in the season.

Her Fuller House co-star Candace Cameron Bure appeared on DWTS in the past. In a recent interview with E! Online, Sweetin revealed the advice that her good friend gave her.

“She said that this will be one of the hardest things I have ever done and it will be an once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I’m really excited for it.”

Check out the video below.

Both Jodie Sweetin and Mischa Barton have been open up about their struggles with drugs and alcohol. In fact, Sweetin is celebrating her five years of sobriety this month. She talked to People magazine about her life after drug addiction.

“My life is amazing. I will have five years [of sobriety] in March. It’s given me a lot of gratitude.”

She has been open and honest about her struggle with coke and crystal meth addiction, including in her 2009 memoir, UnSweetined, and as her role as guest speaker at colleges across the country.

As for Barton, she opened up to People magazine about the truth behind her breakdown in 2009.

“It was a full-on breakdown,” Barton revealed to People in her 2013 cover story. “I was under enormous pressure.”

Since then, Barton has gone on to launch a handbag line and makeup collection at her London boutique. She also has starred in a series of indie movies, but she will always be known for her role of Marissa Cooper on the popular FOX series The O.C.

What are your thoughts on Mischa Barton and Jodie Sweetin appearing on the new season of Dancing with the Stars? Sound off below in the comments section.

[Photos by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images and Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]