Naomi allowed one last dance

NAOMI Robson has convinced Channel 7 to extend her contract until June 30 to enable her to compete in the sixth season of Dancing With The Stars.

After an incident-packed year to forget, an emotional Robson vacated the Today Tonight hosting chair in December, leaving critics doubtful of her return.

Robson cited "a desire to explore other areas of television" as the reason behind her exit - but few would have thought that meant shimmying across a dance studio swathed in fake tan and sequins.

Then again, we are talking about the woman who allegedly had her own make-up truck on site while covering the Beaconsfield cave-in.

A Seven source yesterday revealed the glitzy current affairs presenter was the first contender to sign up for the ballroom blitz, scheduled to air in late February.

"She was very vocal about wanting to do the series and put her hand up for it straight away - the deal was signed in December," the network insider said.

After the train wreck of Robson-related events in 2006, Seven is hoping the DWTS gig will endear the much-maligned presenter to viewers.

While she is currently holidaying in the US, Robson's manager Mark Klemens confirmed his client - whose contract with Seven was due to expire on December 31 - had negotiated another six months.

"Obviously she's really looking forward to doing Dancing With The Stars, and beyond that she's looking at other opportunities with Seven," Mr Klemens said, referring to the daytime chat show Robson hopes to front.