Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Revealed: First Contestants Announced

April 24, 2026 admin

The excitement surrounding Dancing With the Stars Season 35 is officially underway, as producers have revealed the first two celebrity contestants set to compete in the upcoming season. Reality TV personalities Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller have been confirmed as the inaugural names joining the ballroom, signaling a strong start for the highly anticipated 2026 edition of the long-running dance competition.

The announcement was made during Hulu’s “Get Real House” event, where networks showcased upcoming unscripted programming. With the show expected to premiere later this fall, fans are already speculating about the full lineup, potential winners, and dramatic moments to come.

Who Are the First Contestants?

Maura Higgins: From Love Island to the Ballroom

Maura Higgins is no stranger to the spotlight. The Irish reality TV star rose to international fame through her appearance on Love Island UK, where her bold personality and sharp wit made her a fan favorite.

More recently, Higgins gained renewed attention for her role on The Traitors, where she finished as a runner-up. Her competitive nature and charisma helped her stand out in a crowded field of contestants, qualities that could translate well onto the dance floor.

Despite having limited dance experience, Higgins has openly embraced the challenge. In previous interviews, she described the opportunity as exciting and intimidating, noting that she is eager to immerse herself in the glamour and intensity of the competition.

Ciara Miller: Reality Star Ready for a New Stage

Joining Higgins is Ciara Miller, best known for her role on Bravo’s Summer House. Miller has built a reputation for her authenticity and composure, even amid the drama that often defines reality television.

Her casting comes at a time when she has been in the public eye due to personal and relationship-related storylines, which have generated significant media attention. However, stepping onto the Dancing With the Stars stage marks a new chapter—one focused on performance, discipline, and transformation.

Miller has previously expressed a preference for privacy, even turning down other high-profile reality opportunities. Her decision to join the show suggests a willingness to step outside her comfort zone and explore new opportunities in entertainment.

A Strategic Casting Move

The decision to cast Higgins and Miller reflects a broader trend within Dancing With the Stars Season 35—leaning into reality TV personalities who already have strong fan bases.

In recent seasons, contestants from reality television have proven to be major draws. Their built-in audiences often translate into higher engagement, increased social media buzz, and stronger voting support.

This strategy has paid off in the past. For example, reality stars have not only performed well but also generated headlines that extend beyond the show itself. By selecting Higgins and Miller as the first announced contestants, producers are setting the tone for a season likely filled with recognizable faces and compelling personal narratives.

What We Know About Season 35 So Far

While only two contestants have been confirmed, several key details about Dancing With the Stars Season 35 have already been revealed.

Expected Premiere and Format

The new season is scheduled to premiere in fall 2026, airing on ABC and streaming simultaneously on Disney+. Episodes will also be available on Hulu the following day, maintaining the multi-platform distribution model introduced in recent years.

The show will continue its signature format:

Celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers
Weekly live performances
Judges’ scores combined with audience votes
Eliminations leading to the Mirrorball Trophy finale

Returning Hosts and Judges

Season 35 is expected to bring back familiar faces, including:

Alfonso Ribeiro as host
Julianne Hough as co-host
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli

These returning personalities provide continuity and stability, ensuring that longtime fans feel at home while new viewers are welcomed into the experience.

A Franchise Still Going Strong

Few reality TV shows have demonstrated the longevity of Dancing With the Stars. Now entering its 35th season, the series continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal.

The previous season achieved impressive milestones, including millions of votes during the finale and widespread social media engagement.

This sustained success highlights the show’s ability to adapt:

Incorporating streaming platforms
Expanding its audience globally
Introducing new themes and production elements

The Rise of Reality Stars in DWTS

The casting of Higgins and Miller also reflects a broader shift in entertainment, where reality TV stars are increasingly crossing over into mainstream programming.

In many cases, these personalities bring:

Authentic storytelling
Established fan communities
Relatable personal journeys

For viewers, this creates a deeper emotional connection, making performances more engaging and impactful.

Meanwhile, contestants often use the platform to reinvent their public image. Dancing With the Stars provides a unique opportunity to showcase discipline, vulnerability, and growth—qualities not always visible in traditional reality TV formats.

New Spin-Off Expands the Universe

Adding to the excitement, the franchise is also launching a new spin-off titled Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.

Set to premiere in July 2026, the series will feature aspiring professional dancers competing for a spot in the main show. This initiative aims to:

Discover fresh talent
Build anticipation ahead of Season 35
Expand the DWTS brand

The spin-off will be hosted by a previous season winner, further connecting the franchise’s past and future.

Fan Reactions and Early Buzz

The announcement of Higgins and Miller has already sparked conversations across social media platforms.

Fans are particularly excited about:

Higgins’ bold personality and humor
Miller’s poised and mysterious presence
Potential dance pairings with professional partners

Online discussions also reveal curiosity about the rest of the cast. Many viewers are speculating about which celebrities—from athletes to actors—might join the lineup.

Early reactions suggest that Dancing With the Stars Season 35 is off to a promising start, with strong interest even before the full cast announcement.

What Makes This Season Different?

While the core format remains unchanged, Season 35 is shaping up to stand out in several ways:

1. Early Casting Announcements

Revealing contestants ahead of the full lineup helps build anticipation and sustained media coverage.

2. Cross-Platform Accessibility

The show’s availability across ABC, Disney+, and Hulu ensures a wider audience reach than ever before.

3. Expanded Franchise Content

With the addition of a spin-off series, viewers will have more ways to engage with the DWTS universe.

What to Expect Next

As the premiere date approaches, fans can expect:

Additional celebrity announcements
Professional dancer pairings
Promotional trailers and interviews

The full cast reveal is likely to generate significant attention, especially if it includes high-profile names from sports, music, or film.

Final Verdict: A Strong Start to Season 35

The early reveal of Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller sets an exciting tone for Dancing With the Stars Season 35. Both contestants bring unique personalities, established fan bases, and a willingness to embrace the challenge of competitive dance.

While much remains unknown about the full lineup, one thing is clear: the new season is already generating buzz and anticipation.

As the ballroom lights prepare to shine once again, viewers can look forward to a mix of glamour, drama, and unforgettable performances.