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Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins Become First Celebs on DWTS 35

4/23/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Miller, Higgins Join DWTS

The United States announced reality stars Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins as first celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars season 35, revealing them at Hulu’s Get Real House event in Beverly Hills on April 22, 2026.
Season 35 premieres September 16, 2026, with episodes streaming the day after on Hulu.
The spin-off The Next Pro launches July 13, 2026, hosted by Robert Irwin with judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas.

Summary

Higgins Joins DWTS

Reality TV personality Maura Higgins said she froze in tears at JFK Airport when she learned she was cast on Dancing with the Stars, calling it surreal.
The Sun reported Higgins is in talks with Disney about a new project beyond her Dancing with the Stars appearance.
Ciara Miller, former Summer House cast member, lacks a confirmed status for season 11 and is absent from the spinoff In the City.

History

Historical Context

"Dancing with the Stars" premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC, blending celebrity culture with competitive dance. The show, based on the British "Strictly Come Dancing," quickly became a ratings success, attracting over 20 million viewers for its finale. Its format has influenced reality television, leading to numerous spin-offs and reflecting a significant shift in entertainment towards viewer engagement and celebrity involvement.

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Miller, Higgins Join DWTS

The United States announced reality stars Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins as first celebrity contestants on Dancing with the Stars season 35, revealing them at Hulu’s Get Real House event in Beverly Hills on April 22, 2026.
Season 35 premieres September 16, 2026, with episodes streaming the day after on Hulu.
The spin-off The Next Pro launches July 13, 2026, hosted by Robert Irwin with judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas.

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