Full Breakdown
Sharna Burgess Returns to “Dancing With the Stars” for Season 35
8/24/2026, 8:04:33 PM
Core Announcement
On August 24, the official “Dancing With the Stars” Instagram account posted a video of Sharna Burgess blowing a kiss and announced that the Australian-born ballroom professional is rejoining the show as a pro for Season 35. Burgess confirmed the news that same day during an interview on “Good Morning America,” saying she is back to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The season will launch with a two-night premiere in mid-September, with the full celebrity-pro lineup slated for reveal later this month.
Background & Context
Burgess first appeared as a DWTS pro in Season 16 (2013) after joining the troupe in Season 13 (2011). Over fourteen seasons she partnered with a range of celebrities, winning the Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones in Season 27 (2018). Her last competitive season before the hiatus was Season 30 (2021), where she danced with then-boyfriend Brian Austin Green.
She announced a five-year break, citing the birth of her son Zane in 2022 and a desire to prioritize motherhood. Burgess made a brief cameo during the series’ 500th episode in November 2024 but did not return as a competing pro until now. Earlier this year, at the inaugural DWTS fan convention, she said producers had conducted a “temperature check” on her return but had not yet extended a firm offer.
Data & Statistics
- 15th season competing as a DWTS pro (including the upcoming Season 35).
- Four Mirrorball Trophy finals appearances before her first win (Seasons 20, 21, 23, 26).
- One Mirrorball Trophy win (Season 27, 2018).
- Five-year hiatus from competitive participation (2022-2026).
Official Statements & Responses
DWTS’s Instagram post described Burgess as “an absolute firecracker” returning to the ballroom, inviting fans to welcome her back. In her “Good Morning America” interview, Burgess expressed excitement about rejoining the “dancing family” and highlighted the emotional significance of “coming home.” The network’s promotional materials note that Burgess will compete alongside fellow pro Witney Carson, who is confirmed for the season. Additional celebrity participants announced include Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez, with the complete roster to be disclosed later this month.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My last five years on the show have been … rocky,”
- “I'm back! Some of you guys guessed it. Yes, I am here with a special announcement to finally confirm I'm back on 'Dancing with the Stars,' baby,”
- “I can’t wait to be back in the ballroom with my dancing family. Mostly, it feels so good to be coming home.”
What’s Next
- Later this month – Full celebrity-pro cast announced on “Good Morning America.”
- Mid-September – Season 35 premieres on ABC and streams on Disney+ and Hulu.
- Subsequent weeks will reveal Burgess’s celebrity partner and the competition’s weekly eliminations.
