Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars Season 35: Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins Join the Cast
4/23/2026, 8:55:17 PM
New Celebrity Contestants Announced
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has officially announced its first two celebrity contestants for Season 35: Ciara Miller, known for her role on Bravo's Summer House, and Maura Higgins, a breakout star from The Traitors and Love Island. The announcement was made during Hulu's Get Real House event on April 22, 2026. Both women are expected to compete for the coveted Mirrorball trophy when the season premieres in the fall on ABC and Disney+.
Background on the Contestants
Ciara Miller, 30, has been a prominent figure on Summer House for five seasons and recently gained attention due to a scandal involving her ex-boyfriend West Wilson and her former best friend Amanda Batula. Maura Higgins, 35, gained fame as a contestant on Love Island UK and later as a finalist on The Traitors US, where she was betrayed by a fellow contestant. Both women have expressed excitement about their upcoming participation in DWTS, with Higgins noting her belief in manifesting her casting.
Official Statements & Responses
During the announcement event, Higgins shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I have been manifesting this... I know it's going to be so, so hard, but because I really want to do it, I'm going to put my all into it." Miller, unable to attend the event due to filming commitments, expressed her eagerness to join the competition, describing it as an opportunity to open a new chapter in her life.
Criticism & Opposition
While the casting of Miller and Higgins has generated excitement, some fans have expressed skepticism regarding their dance abilities, particularly Higgins, who humorously remarked about having "two left feet." This light-hearted self-criticism reflects the pressure contestants often feel when transitioning from reality television to a dance competition.
What's Next for the Franchise
In addition to the main show, DWTS is expanding its franchise with a new spinoff titled Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, which will premiere on July 13, 2026. This series will feature 12 aspiring dancers competing for a chance to become a professional dancer on the main show. Robert Irwin, the Season 34 champion, will host the spinoff, with Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, serving as judges.
Conclusion
As Dancing with the Stars gears up for its 35th season, the inclusion of Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins marks a continuation of the show's trend of featuring reality television personalities. With a successful previous season that garnered record viewership, the upcoming season promises to maintain the momentum while introducing new talent through its spinoff series. The full cast and pro dancer pairings will be announced at a later date, building anticipation for the fall premiere.
