LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Karina Smirnoff Playboy photos will hit the May 2011 issue, confirms Playboy to news. Karina Smirnoff Playboy pictures did not get the Dancing with the Stars professional dancer in trouble with ABC, as incorrect reports initially claimed. The pics were taken by Playboy on April 6 confirms Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

Hefner tells news today that Smirnoff’s Playboy spread will be one of the publication’s best this year. “It’s a beautiful shoot and I’m very proud of it” said Hef.

Karina Smirnoff Pictures
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In a news statement to LALATE, Playboy says “Karina Smirnoff is once again wowing audiences with her ballroom dancing skills…. The stunning dance pro is also dazzling Playboy readers as she appears on the cover of the magazine’s May issue and in an alluring 8-page … pictorial inside the magazine”.

In recent days, false reports claimed the ABC executives at Dancing with the Stars were furious at the “revelation” over the pics and were considering firing Smirnoff. Such was not the case. In fact, Smirnoff tells PEOPLE that they had been briefed ahead of time and had given their approval.

Karina opens up in the publication on everything from her romances, to her nose job, to even her time with Mario Lopez. “I’m fearless and love the adrenaline rush [in posing for Playboy”.

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Hef has told news about the issue “The May issue of Playboy is unforgettable with Dancing With The Stars’ Karina Smirnoff on the cover & … inside.”

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Karina previously told EXTRA about her nose job “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done” calling the end result “better version of me”.