Robert Irwin, the season 34 champion of the Dancing with the Stars franchise, is set to take on a new role as the host of the upcoming spinoff series, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. This exciting development will introduce viewers to a competition aimed at discovering the next professional dancer to join the main show.
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Scheduled for a debut on July 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro will highlight a group of twelve talented dancers who will transition into one house for the duration of the competition. The contestants will endure an intense audition process as they compete for the prestigious opportunity to earn a spot as a pro dancer in the 35th season of the main Dancing with the Stars series.
Irwin, at just 22 years old, will be guiding the contestants through this challenging journey. His experience as a former winner of the show is expected to add an insightful perspective to the competition. “For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro,” Irwin stated, sharing his enthusiasm for the series. He encouraged fans by saying, “Let the fiercest dance battle begin.”
In addition to Irwin, the spinoff will feature Mark Ballas in a judging role, alongside his mother, renowned dancer Shirley Ballas. Their combined expertise promises to bring a wealth of experience to the judging panel. The show’s format will also see a rotating selection of past professional dancers making guest appearances to mentor the hopeful contestants, which should provide valuable guidance and inspiration.
The announcement regarding Irwin’s hosting role was made at Hulu’s Get Real House event on April 22, raising excitement for the new installment. Audiences will be keen to see how this fresh format unfolds, with a focus on nurturing emerging talent in dance.
In a further revelation from Disney, it was noted that the first two celebrities confirmed for the upcoming 35th season of Dancing with the Stars are Ciara Miller from Summer House and Maura Higgins, a former contestant from The Traitors. Further celebrity participants and professional dancers slated for this season will be revealed in due course.
The production team behind Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro includes showrunner and executive producer Conrad Green, along with other notable EPs such as Ryan O’Dowd, Krystal Whitney, Alex Cross, and Jenny Groom. Co-executive producers Deena Katz and Quinn Lipton are also part of the team, promising a well-rounded and dynamic showcase.
For fans of the franchise, the anticipation for both the spinoff and season 35 of the original series is growing. As the landscape of competitive dance continues to evolve, Irwin’s leadership in this venture will be closely watched. The spinoff is expected to bridge the gap between aspiring dancers and seasoned professionals, setting the stage for a competitive yet supportive atmosphere.
As the premiere date for Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro approaches, eager fans are preparing for what promises to be an engaging series filled with talent, drama, and the thrill of competition. With Irwin at the helm, the show aims to elevate the standard of dance once again. The episodes will also be available for streaming on Hulu the day after their airing, allowing fans to keep up with the action conveniently.
The excitement surrounding this new chapter of the Dancing with the Stars franchise is palpable, as viewers look forward to discovering who will earn the esteemed title of the next professional dancer.