'Dukes of Hazzard' 's John Schneider Says He Hopes 'My Children Will Speak to Me Again'

In addition to winning the Mirrorball Trophy,John Schneideris hopeful that hisDancing with the Starsjourney might pave a path to reconciliation with his three children.

TheDukes of Hazzardalum, who played Bo Duke on the comedy series from 1979-85, made his debut on the reality dancing competition series on Monday evening, when season 27 premiered. Schneider, 58, and his pro partner, Emma Slater, performed a foxtrot on night one and earned an 18/30 from judges.

On thesecond evening of a two night premiere, Schneider, 58, discussed his inaugural dance while standing alongside Slater, who advised him on Monday to not watch the introductory video package that aired before their performance.

ABC

“When people watch the package before they dance, they’re watching themselves and then all of a sudden they’re like, ‘Oh no, I’ve got to dance!’ And then like things fly out their head,” Slater, 29, explained to co-host Erin Andrews. “So I’m like, ‘Focus. Don’t listen.’ ”

Schneider added with a laugh, “I just wanted to get over the car,” referencing the redDukes of HazzardGeneral Lee replica car that he slid across.

Going into night two, the star, who was safe from elimination andprogressed to the second week, added, “I feel good. I’m so excited to be here” before revealing that he and his children are not on speaking terms.

“I’m hoping that I will do my family proud, I’ll do my love over there proud,” said Schneider, referencing his girlfriend, Alicia, and added, “and maybe my children will speak to me again.”

After 21 years of marriage, Schneider’s estranged wife Elvira “Elly” Schneiderfiled for divorcein Los Angeles county on Nov. 14, 2014. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, according to court documents.

In September 2016, Schneider — he shares adult children Leah, Chasen, and Karis with Elvira — was ordered to pay his ex $18,911 every month, TMZreported.

But three months ago, Schneider wassentenced to three days behind barsin the Los Angeles County Jail in June for failure to pay more than $150,000 in owed alimony payments to Elvira. The actor wasreleased on the same dayas his initial booking because of California’s overcrowded prison system, but his legal woes were not done with that.

John M. Heller/Getty

Rather than complying with the court’s full list of conditions, however,Schneider asked the courtto restore his jail sentence following his early release.

“I am willing and able to accept the punishment for my actions/inactions as to this matter and I request this court to impose such sentence without further delay,” he wrote.

However, we may not see Schneider fitted with cuffs again just yet. On July 17, Elvira’s attorneys filed a motion to strike the letter from the record as an unlawfulex partecommunication until a hearing could be arranged and the attorneys could have the opportunity to cross-examine Schneider as to his claimed financial woes.

Schneider is expected to complete 240 hours of community service as part of his sentencing structure, whether he returns to jail or not.

Dancing with the Starsairs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.

source: people.com