Chmerkovskiy told Access Hollywood that Gilbert measures up well to his previous partners Tia Carrere, Spice Girl Mel B, Brandy and Kirstie Alley.
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"[Melissa's] good. She's in great shape," the dance pro beamed. "She has gone through stuff in the last couple of years - physically - with surgery. I was worried about that, [but] knock on wood, things seem to be fine."
Gilbert has already received the support of Chmerkovskiy's previous partner Kirstie Alley, who finished as runner-up on Dancing with the Stars in 2011.
The Little House on the Prairie actress has now joked that Alley has advised her on how to deal with Chmerkovskiy's temper.
"[Alley's] happy for me. She said, 'Hold on to your crucifix, because it's going to be a bumpy ride'," Gilbert joked.
Gilbert will have to outlast Jaleel White, Katherine Jenkins, Gladys Knight, Maria Menounos and a host of other celebrities in order to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.
Dancing with the Stars premieres Monday, March 19 on ABC.
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