Now that the extended Jackson family is relevant again – well, some of them anyway – many of the siblings are naturally trying to work their temporary fame while they can. And what better way to do that than “Dancing with the Stars?” LaToya is hoping to capitalize on her family’s dancing cred by joining up with the show this next season.

After the sudden death of younger brother Michael Jackson in June, La Toya Jackson found herself back in the spotlight — and it looks like she might stay there.

A source close to La Toya tells Usmagazine.com exclusively that she has been approached to compete on the next season of Dancing With the Stars.

“[La Toya is] in serious discussions to join the show,” the source tells Us.

The source adds that the hit ABC show has put out a firm offer for her to be a contestant on the ninth installment and La Toya is just deciding what she wants to do.

“She’s a big fan of the show, and being from a musical family, it would be a good fit,” her rep said when contacted by Us.

[From Us Weekly]

Well of course LaToya is a big fan of the show. What else does she have to do on a Tuesday night? I’m sorry, I know I’m supposed to be gentle with her right now, but after years of vague LaToya jokes, it’s hard to just switch over. I’ve only watched the show here and there, but it seems like the celebrities take it really seriously. They always look so emotional and stressed. I mean it’s just for fun guys. But it sort of makes me wonder if it might be too much pressure for LaToya right now. She’s just lost her brother –joining up with an upbeat dancing show might be a bit much. On the other hand, it would give her something else to focus on, so I guess it could go either way.

Interestingly enough, LaToya is not the only possible DWTS contestant with a Jackson connection. Jermaine Jackson, who’s certainly one of the more media-courting Jacksons, wants to be a contestant, and thinks he has the chops to win. Also throwing his hat in the ring is Lou Ferrigno, who used to be Michael’s friend and trainer.

Lou Ferrigno, Jackson’s personal trainer and the onetime star of “The Incredible Hulk,” said he’d “definitely be interested” and has been in talks to join the show.

… And finally, brother Jermaine Jackson, never one to let an opportunity pass him by, is throwing his hat in the ring.

“He doesn’t just think he should be on the show, he thinks he could win it all. It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to work an audience,” said a source close to Jackson. “It’s also a steady job for a while. He hasn’t had any traction with the other projects and reunion shows he’d hoped for. This could be great for him.”

[From the Scoop]

While she’s not a Jackson – as far as I know – Paula Abdul is also being courted as a contestant. She’d be great, though she used to be a choreographer and obviously has a lot of dance experience. As a result, she might be too good to start with – a lot of the fun is watching the contestants improve. But she’d bring with her a lot of fans and performing competition experience. And it’d be fun for her to thumb her nose at Simon on another show.

Here’s LaToya Jackson and Christian Audigier outside Mr Chow in Beverly Hills on August 3rd. Images thanks to Fame Pictures .