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Jackson Olson, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller Announced for DWTS

5/13/2026

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Summary

Jackson Olson DWTS

Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas player, was announced as a Dancing With the Stars season 35 contestant on May 12, 2026.
Maura Higgins (Love Island) and Ciara Miller (Summer House) were announced for season 35.
Casting head Deena Katz said the series was “deep into casting” on April 26, 2026.
Olson’s viral on-field dance routines and his romance with Maggie Sajak, daughter of host Pat Sajak, have added buzz to his DWTS appearance.

Summary

Disney Streams

Disney will stream the Savannah Bananas' Banana Bowl exclusively on Disney+ in October.
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars grew nearly 80 % year-over-year in the adults 18-49 demo, keeping the show No. 1.
ABC senior vice president Ari Goldman said the network will double down on TikTok, podcasts and other social-media tactics for Season 35, with DWTS airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. before “RJ Decker.”

History

Historical Context

DWTS premiered on ABC on June 1 2005 as the U.S. version of Britain’s Strictly Come Dancing, pairing celebrities—including athletes—with professional dancers. After moving to Disney+ in 2022 and returning to ABC for season 32, the franchise had logged 408 celebrity contestants by season 34. Now Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson joins Season 35, continuing the show’s athlete-celebrity tradition.

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Jackson Olson DWTS

Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas player, was announced as a Dancing With the Stars season 35 contestant on May 12, 2026.
Maura Higgins (Love Island) and Ciara Miller (Summer House) were announced for season 35.
Casting head Deena Katz said the series was “deep into casting” on April 26, 2026.
Olson’s viral on-field dance routines and his romance with Maggie Sajak, daughter of host Pat Sajak, have added buzz to his DWTS appearance.

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