Full Breakdown
Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins Join Dancing With the Stars Season 35
4/23/2026, 10:56:41 PM
Announcement of Contestants
On April 22, 2026, during Hulu's Get Real House event in Beverly Hills, California, Ciara Miller from Bravo's *Summer House* and Maura Higgins, known for her roles on *Love Island* and *The Traitors*, were announced as the first two celebrity contestants for the upcoming 35th season of *Dancing With the Stars* (DWTS). This season is set to premiere in the fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
Background of the Contestants
Ciara Miller, 30, has gained recognition for her appearances on *Summer House*, where she has been a central figure for multiple seasons. Recently, she has been in the spotlight due to a personal scandal involving her ex-boyfriend West Wilson and her close friend Amanda Batula, who confirmed their romantic relationship. Miller expressed her excitement about joining DWTS, stating, “I feel like I’m opening a new chapter and I’m so excited to share it with you guys.”
Maura Higgins, 35, rose to fame as a finalist on the fifth season of *Love Island UK* and recently finished as a runner-up on *The Traitors* Season 4. Higgins has a background in hosting various *Love Island* spin-offs and has expressed her long-standing desire to compete on DWTS, saying, “I’m a strong believer in manifesting. I had it on my vision board.” She acknowledged the challenge ahead, humorously noting, “I’ve got two left feet, though, so it might not go too well.”
Significance of Their Casting
The casting of Miller and Higgins is particularly noteworthy given the recent drama surrounding Miller's personal life, which has drawn significant media attention. Rob Mills, Disney’s head of unscripted TV, commented on the relevance of their stories, stating, “There’s an old phrase: The best way to get over a lover is to dance with a stranger.” This sentiment reflects the show's trend of incorporating contestants with compelling backstories to enhance viewer engagement.
Official Statements & Responses
Both contestants have shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Miller, unable to attend the announcement event, sent a video expressing her eagerness to compete. Higgins, present at the event, expressed her joy and excitement to join the competition. The full cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners will be revealed later.
What's Next
*Dancing With the Stars* Season 35 is expected to continue the show's legacy of high viewership, following a record-breaking Season 34 that garnered 72 million votes in its finale. Additionally, a new spin-off series titled *Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro* will premiere on July 13, 2026, featuring aspiring dancers competing for a chance to join the main cast.
As the premiere date approaches, fans are eager to see how Miller and Higgins will navigate the ballroom and whether their personal narratives will influence their performances on the dance floor.
