The cast was announced Monday by "Dancing" hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke during an episode of "The Bachelor."
"I'm sort of a recluse, so I've crawled out of my cage for this," Alley said.
Other big names include talk show host Wendy Williams, model Petra Nemcova, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, "Loveline" radio show co-host Mike Catherwood, onetime rap prodigy Romeo (former Lil' Romeo), Chelsea Kane of Disney Channel's "Jonas" and WWE wrestler Chris Jericho.
"You can't really tell who's going to be good or who's not," Alley said. "I think Kendra's going to be hot. She could just stand there. Sugar Ray's got to be fast on his feet. Macchio, wax on wax off. Turn that into dance steps and he's got a routine."
Like in other seasons, some are getting a chance to step into a bigger spotlight.
"I hope I make a really good first impression because a lot of people don't know me and I'm excited to grow up and put on a shorter skirt," Kane said.
Wilkinson said she's ready to commit to hard work.
"Practice makes perfect and that's what I'm going to keep doing," Wilkinson said. "But I look really good at practice."
The professional dancers for the season have not yet been announced, but one pro that will not be around when the show returns March 21 is three-time winner Derek Hough.
Last season's champ was "Dirty Dancing" actress Jennifer Grey, who was paired with Hough.
As for the season ahead, Bergeron says to expect the unexpected.
"I think we're inviting the set designers from 'Wipeout,'" he said. "I'm not sure if that's been finalized."
