Full Breakdown
Dancing With the Stars Season 35: A New Chapter Begins
4/23/2026, 7:48:33 PM
Major Casting Announcement for Season 35
"Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS) has officially announced its first two celebrity contestants for its upcoming 35th season: Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller. The announcement was made during Hulu's Get Real House event on April 22, 2026. Both women are notable figures in the reality television landscape, with Higgins recognized for her roles on "Love Island UK" and "The Traitors," while Miller is best known for her participation in "Summer House" and her recent stint on "The Traitors."
Background on the Contestants
Maura Higgins, 35, gained fame as a contestant on "Love Island UK," where she finished as a finalist in its fifth season. She later became a prominent figure on "The Traitors," where she was blindsided by her ally Rob Rausch, who revealed himself as a traitor. Higgins has also hosted "Love Island USA: Aftersun." Ciara Miller, 30, has been a staple on Bravo's "Summer House" for five seasons and appeared in the third season of "The Traitors." Recently, she has been in the spotlight due to personal drama involving her ex-boyfriend West Wilson and her former best friend Amanda Batula, who are now in a relationship.
Season 34 Success and Future Prospects
The previous season of DWTS was a record-breaking success, culminating in the highest-rated finale in a decade, with 72 million votes cast. The show averaged 10 million viewers and garnered nearly half a billion votes throughout the season. The upcoming season is expected to build on this momentum, with hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returning, and judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough expected to reprise their roles.
Official Statements & Responses
During the announcement, Maura Higgins expressed her excitement, stating, "I’m a strong believer in manifesting. I had it on my vision board." She acknowledged her nerves about the competition but emphasized her commitment to giving her best effort. Ciara Miller described her participation as the start of a new chapter and expressed enthusiasm about sharing the dance floor with Higgins.
Upcoming Spinoff Series
In addition to the main competition, ABC has confirmed a new spinoff titled "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro," which will premiere on July 13, 2026. This series will feature 12 aspiring professional dancers competing for a chance to join the main DWTS cast. Robert Irwin, the winner of Season 34, will host the spinoff, with Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, serving as judges.
Criticism & Opposition
While the casting of Higgins and Miller has generated excitement, some critics have raised concerns about the ongoing personal drama surrounding Miller, questioning whether it could overshadow her performance in the competition. The upcoming reunion of "Summer House" is expected to address these issues, which may impact viewer perceptions.
What's Next
"Dancing With the Stars" Season 35 is set to premiere in the fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for next-day streaming on Hulu. The full cast of celebrities and professional dancers will be announced at a later date, as anticipation builds for what promises to be a dynamic season.
