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ABC Renews Dancing with Stars, Launches “The Next Pro” Spin-Off

4/23/2026

35 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The franchise will reveal its audition process via the spin-off The Next Pro, hosted by Robert Irwin.
ABC announced the renewal of Dancing with the Stars for Season 35 and the spin-off The Next Pro, premiering July 13.
Robert Irwin will host The Next Pro with Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas as judges.
Ciara Miller of Summer House and Maura Higgins of The Traitors are the first celebrity contestants for Season 35.

History

Historical Context

"Dancing with the Stars" premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC, inspired by the British show "Strictly Come Dancing." The series pairs celebrities with professional dancers, creating a competitive format that has featured over 400 contestants. The announcement of the upcoming spin-off "The Next Pro," hosted by Robert Irwin, highlights the franchise's ongoing evolution and its significant impact on reality television trends.

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Story summary

The franchise will reveal its audition process via the spin-off The Next Pro, hosted by Robert Irwin.
ABC announced the renewal of Dancing with the Stars for Season 35 and the spin-off The Next Pro, premiering July 13.
Robert Irwin will host The Next Pro with Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas as judges.
Ciara Miller of Summer House and Maura Higgins of The Traitors are the first celebrity contestants for Season 35.

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