The anticipation for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars is building as the cast begins to take shape.
In a thrilling announcement at the Get Real House event in April, Hulu both confirmed the renewal of the popular dance show and unveiled that Summer House’s Ciara Miller and Love Island’s Maura Higgins would join the lineup to compete on the dance floor. The excitement grew the following month with the addition of Savannah Bananas’ second baseman Jackson Olson to the contestant roster.
Season 35 promises to be memorable, following the impressive win by wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson, who claimed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy last season. Irwin’s involvement in the upcoming season extends beyond his win, as he assists in selecting the next professional dancer for the show.
Discover more exciting details about the upcoming season of DWTS as we continue:
Which Celebrities Are Competing on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35?
Just a month after the casting of Miller and Higgins was announced, further excitement ensued at Disney’s Upfront presentation. It was there that the participation of internet sensation and Savannah Bananas star Olson was confirmed. Then, in June 2026, ABC revealed that Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘s beloved Guillermo Rodriguez would also bring his charisma to the dance floor, ready to glide with a cha-cha in the ballroom.
In August, sources confirmed to Us that Sarah Jane Nader, Conner Leavitt, Jenna Dewan and Bachelor Nation’s Tyler Cameron would be hitting the dance floor as well.
The full cast is expected to be officially announced via Good Morning America on September 2.
Which Pro Dancers Are Returning for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35?
All of the pro dancers returning for season 35 have yet to be announced. Miller, however, shared that she has a partner in mind.
“I’ve been campaigning for Val [Chmerkovskiy],” Miller told E! News during the May Met Gala livestream. “I don’t know if they hear me, but yeah, sending out some emails, putting my word in. We’ll see where everyone wants to place me.”
On August 27, ABC announced that Witney Carson will be partnered with Rodriguez when the competition returns for a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16. (Carson is currently pregnant with her third baby.)
One week later, ABC confirmed that Sharna Burgess will be returning to the ballroom. It will be her first time competing as a pro since season 30 in 2021.
Will There Be a New Pro Joining ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35?
Before season 35 kicks off, fans will get a brand-new spinoff series. ABC announced in April that Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro will air this summer to find the next pro dancer for the main broadcast.
“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro features 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in a grueling audition process,” a logline reads. “[They are] all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.”
Season 34 winner Robert Irwin will host the show, with pro Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, serving as judges. The mother-son duo will be joined by a rotating panel of guest judges and mentors.
“For the first time in Dancing With the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro,” Irwin said in a trailer. “This summer, let the fiercest dance battle begin.”
When Does ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Premiere?
The series is set to premiere this fall on ABC and Disney+. A specific date has not been announced yet.