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Fans of Dancing With the Stars can expect familiar faces and fresh energy as season 35 gears up. Judges, hosts and returning pros teased surprises this week, while early cast names and a broadcast date have already surfaced.
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The judging panel will once again feature Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro are also signed on.
- Derek Hough called the new season “energized” and said viewers should expect the show they know, with some fresh twists.
- Julianne Hough hinted at at least one themed night that will spotlight bold fashion choices.
Confirmed celebrities and pro partnerships announced early
ABC and Good Morning America shared several names ahead of the full cast reveal. Some pairings and participants are already public.
- Ciara Miller (Summer House)
- Maura Higgins (Traitors)
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas athlete)
- Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick) will be paired with pro Witney Carson.
Witney Carson’s return and personal update
Witney Carson returns after winning last season’s mirrorball with Robert Irwin. She is pregnant with her third child and spoke about rehearsals with Guillermo. Carson said she feels largely the same physically, though she tires more easily. She also noted her nausea has eased and energy is returning.
Carson emphasized that the baby’s health is her top priority. She joked she can still lift and toss her partner during routines for now.
Pro veterans coming back and notable comebacks
Season 35 welcomes back some familiar pros. Sharna Burgess will return to the competition floor as a pro for the first time in five years.
She described the comeback as a homecoming and said she’s excited to chase the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy with the DWTS family.
Names being linked to the cast ahead of the official reveal
Entertainment outlets report additional celebrities expected to join season 35. These remain unconfirmed until the full list drops.
- Tyler Cameron (Bachelor Nation)
- Jenna Dewan (Step Up actress)
- Connor Leavitt (husband of Whitney Leavitt)
- Sarah Jane Nader (sister of Brooks Nader)
When and where to watch: premiere and broadcast details
The season opens with a two-night event on ABC and Disney+. The premiere begins Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
Good Morning America will lift the curtain on the full cast on Wednesday, September 2. Expect more pairings and theme-night details then.
