Hugh Hefner: Holly Madison Was ‘Spectacular’ On ‘Dancing’

While she’s no longer his girlfriend, Hugh Hefner has nothing but praise for former “Girl Next Door” Holly Madison following her “Dancing With the Stars” debut on Monday night.

“I’m very, very proud of her,” he told People of ABC’s new “Star,” who was a last-minute addition to the show after Jewel dropped out due to injury.

In fact, it was Hef who welcomed her to the show.

“I called her and gave her the news on Monday,” he said. “She had a week to prepare, less then a week.”

And she did “a spectacular job,” he added.

And fellow former “Girl” Bridget Marquardt weighed in as well with high hopes for Holly’s “Dancing” future.

“I think that fact that she’s had ballroom dancing classes before and was a cheerleader in high school, I think that will bring a lot to the table,” Bridget told People. “I know she has tenacity. I know she’ll stick with it and give it her all.”