LOS ANGELES — On an episode of "30 Rock," comedian Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) informs co-workers he's on a religious quest.

"My attorney told me to join a church pre-emptively, 'cause juries are suspicious of celebrities who find religion after getting into trouble," he explains.

There could be an alternative approach to legal or public-relations damage control — and it took Jerry Springer, of all people, to light the way for needy celebrities like Heather Mills.

That's Mills as in Paul McCartney's marital sparring partner, tabloid target and now "Dancing With the Stars" contestant.

On ABC's hit series last season, Springer waltzed his way into America's heart in the unexpected role of a devoted father who wanted only to make his daughter, Katie, proud when they danced at her wedding.

With a game attitude and self-effacing jokes, Springer eclipsed his longtime role as sleazy talk-show host.

He was born again as a mambo-makeover pioneer.

Perhaps a new image wasn't Springer's goal, but he gained one and it paid off. When Regis Philbin bowed out as host of NBC's "America's Got Talent," Springer was picked to replace him.

Mills could provide the greatest test of the healing powers of dance. She threw divorce mud at a beloved Beatle who, conventional wisdom had it, she never deserved.

Springer "had to have an influence on Heather's decision to do this," said "Dancing" host Tom Bergeron, noting he hadn't spoken with her about it.

As Mills dances, viewers aren't judging her skill. At stake is whether she can demonstrate, by charm or by the grit needed by an amputee dancing with a prosthetic leg, that she is a Good Person After All.

She and dance partner Jonathan Roberts made their debut Monday. They return for another stab at forgiveness Monday, then face the music on the Tuesday results show.