Dancing with the Stars

Kim Zolciak's mini-stroke was far more serious than anyone thought ... we've learned she had a heart procedure following the TIA and could have died.

As we reported, Kim had the mini-stroke in Atlanta, hours after appearing on "Dancing with the Stars." She had lost feeling on one side and her ability to speak, but it was only temporary.

Kim has told friends that doctors thought she could be released almost immediately, but a test revealed there was a more serious, underlying heart issue. Doctors kept her in the hospital and she told friends the docs performed a procedure Friday. We do not know the nature of the problem or what doctors did to correct it.

We're told Kim would never have known about the heart issue had she not gone into the hospital for the TIA. And doctors told Kim if the heart problem were left untreated, it could have become life-threatening.

Kim Zolciak is so determined to continue on "Dancing with the Stars," her partner is teaching her moves for next week in her ATL hospital room.

As we reported, Kim said she had a TIA, a mini-stroke, which left her temporarily paralyzed and unable to speak. She has since regained her movement and speech, but the doctors want to monitor her in the hospital.

We're told Zolciak's partner, Tony Dovolani, has been with Kim in her room, teaching her the moves for Monday night's show.

We're told Kim has not gotten clearance from her doctors to come back to L.A. for the show, but she's proceeding as if that will happen.

Sources connected with the show tell us they've been informed there's a good chance she'll be back.

Kim Zolciak suffered a stroke that left her temporarily partially paralyzed and unable to speak ... hours after appearing on "Dancing with the Stars."

Kim flew back to her home in Atlanta early Wednesday morning and says within minutes after landing she suffered a TIA -- a mini-stroke. She says,"The left side of my body went completely numb and my speech was gone."

It's unclear if this has any connection, but she said on 'DWTS' she received a Botox injection Monday, just before appearing on the show.

She credits her family for quickly reacting and getting her help in time.

Kim says she's now 100%.

Andre Berto isn't reeling over his loss from Floyd Mayweather 'cause he's got his eyes on a new prize -- reality television.

We spotted Berto out in NYC the other day ... and he definitely doesn't have boxing on the brain after dancing around the ring with Floyd ... telling our photog why he DESERVES a shot to be on "Dancing with the Stars."

Kim Zolciak went nuts at LAX Monday night, claiming Delta was trying to separate her from her luggage -- but the trouble really started when she kinda bombed on 'Dancing with the Stars."

Kim was irate ... it appears she checked in for her flight at the last minute and the ticket agent said it was too late to check luggage.

Kim, who's on "Dancing with the Stars," protested, saying she has a lot of expensive stuff that could get lost. One of her people also went ballistic ... apparently he didn't get a boarding pass.

She went on Twitter to express her displeasure.

Kim's people tell us the mix-up was all over boarding passes ... that Delta couldn't find them for her daughter and hairstylist on the 10:10 PM flight. She says they all got re-booked on the 11:45 PM flight, but then her daughter got bumped to the wait list. Kim's rant was effective -- everyone eventually ended up getting on the 11:45 PM.

Apparently the folks at Delta didn't see the 'DWTS' premiere. If they had, they might have expected her to have a short fuse.

Paula Deen's looking for all the support she can get on this season of "Dancing with the Stars."

Gary Busey has a secret edge on winning season 21 of "Dancing with the Stars" ... he's a ballet dancer ... seriously.

Busey's super confident he can win, partly because of his experience mimicking the Heisman Trophy.

Busey's up against Kim Zolciak, Nick Carter and Tamar Braxton ... but judging from his tour jete in the video, he's not phased by the competition.

A trespasser at the "Dancing with the Stars" rehearsal studio was pepper sprayed as he walked off the lot, and the video is a little curious.

The video begins with the guy almost off the lot as the security guard douses him. We don't know what happened before, but it looks like the guy is leaving the lot.

Paula Deen scoffed at the notion she was doing "Dancing with the Stars" to restore her reputation.

Paula was in NYC, flanked by some pretty serious dudes, who clearly did not want her talking about the obvious. It's a big step for Paula, who hasn't done anything this high-profile since the racial stories broke.

'DWTS' star Mark Ballas just dropped $2.5 mil on a fixer upper.

It will make more sense when we tell you this ... the house is in a primo section of Bev Hills. It's a skosh over 4,600 feet, with 5 bed and 5 bath, but it needs major work.

We're told Mark hasn't decided whether he'll live in it or flip it, but he has options, and talent. Mark and pal Derek Hough flipped a house they bought together for $1.2 mil, plunked $200k into it and sold it for $1.8 million. The renovation was featured on "Mark & Derek's Excellent Flip."

Julianne Hough is excitedly announcing she's freshly engaged to Washington Capitals star Brooks Laich -- but, oddly, she's not giving up the goods!

The "Dancing With the Stars" judge has been dating Laich -- a center with the Caps -- since 2013. She announced their engagement on Instagram by posting a pic that does NOT show Brooks' face or the ring ... the only 2 things every woman wants to see.

She said, "We are overwhelmed with joy and excitement to share with you our recent engagement! #fiancé #love"

That's sweet and all, but here's what you really want to see -- Brooks' face. Judge away, ladies.

Mark Ballas is gunning to become the Arthur Murray of the 21st century.

We've learned Ballas plans to open a slew of dance studios across the country, called the Mark Ballas Dance and Performing Arts Center. The first is set to open next week in Charlotte, N.C.

We're told Ballas and his business partner expect to have 50 centers up and running by the end of next year.

Our sources say Mark will be an active owner, visiting every location and working on marketing and curriculum. His dad Corky (the OG dancer in the fam) will certify the dance instructors at the various studios.

Donald Trump's loss is Magic Johnson's gain ... according to NBA star Anthony Davis who's throwing his sizeable support behind Magic for the now available "Celebrity Apprentice" host position.

The Pelicans stud center was chilling with Sacramento Kings star Ben McLemore down in Anguilla at the Viceroy hotel. AD's down there for his Anguilla Youth Sports Foundation basketball camp, but we talked reality TV with him.

Davis explains why he thinks Magic would be great in the boardroom -- but also why you won't see him in the ballroom. Yes, Davis says he was offered a spot on "Dancing With the Stars" ... only to turn it down because ... well. Dude can't dance.

Winning “Dancing with the Stars” was huge for Rumer Willis -- but not nearly as huge as her kid sister's boobs were on the Internet, just hours after the 'DWTS' finale.

The pic that was all over social media proves Tallulah Willis is guilty ... of udder thunder stealing!

Who could possibly hate on a marriage proposal on live TV? Erin Andrews ... that's who.

EA was on the mic Monday night when "Dancing With the Stars" semifinalist Noah Galloway -- a war hero and double amputee -- proposed to his girlfriend after his performance.

Keep your eye on Erin ... first comes the eye roll, then she appears annoyed as the two embrace. How dare they block her camera shot after such a wonderful and touching moment!

Erin tried to explain the incident by saying she was trying not to cry.

You don't have to give a crap about dancing ... to give a crap about Rumer Willis emerging as a major piece on "Dancing with the Stars" -- although you'd have to watch the damn show to know that.

As we've said ... she doesn't need the Mirrorball Trophy (but she'll probably get it) -- Rumer's already won the Now Everyone Knows I Have a Bangin' Body award.

Exhibit A: this outfit with the neckline down to her belly button, and the leg slit up to her ... ya know.