The much-anticipated 35th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is set to make its debut in the autumn of 2026, promising a roster of engaging contestants vying for the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. As anticipation builds, so does the excitement around the confirmed cast members, with the full line-up to be unveiled during a special segment on ‘Good Morning America’ in September 2026.
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In early discussions, host Julianne Hough revealed that interest in joining the competition is at an all-time high, with numerous celebrities reaching out through social media. Hough described the increasing allure of the show, hinting that its popularity is on an upward trajectory. While only a few contestants have been confirmed at this point, the initial revelations have already stirred enthusiasm among fans and followers of the show.
The first two stars to join the cast were announced in April 2026. Ciara Miller, known for her appearances on Bravo’s ‘Summer House’ and competing in ‘The Traitors’, is preparing for her foray into dance with a strong commitment to fitness. Speaking to PEOPLE in April, she explained her dedication to enhancing her physicality by attending yoga and Pilates classes, alongside an aspiration to improve her stamina. Miller expressed a desire to partner with pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, indicating her eagerness to create a dynamic presence in the ballroom.
Joining Miller is Maura Higgins, an Irish television personality and model who gained fame as a finalist on ‘Love Island’ in 2019. Higgins has not only hosted the spinoff series, ‘Love Island USA: Aftersun’, but has also dipped her toes into other reality series such as ‘Dancing on Ice’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’. Following her success on ‘The Traitors’, where she was a runner-up alongside dancing pro Mark Ballas, Higgins expressed her enthusiasm for participating in ‘Dancing with the Stars’. In a statement to ‘Good Morning America’, she spoke passionately about how she hopes to “manifest” her success and is looking forward to getting fit and showcasing glamorous costumes.
The third contestant recently revealed is Jackson Olson, a baseball player turned influencer who plays for the independent team, Savannah Bananas. Olson’s casting announcement came during the Disney Upfronts on May 12, stirring excitement across social media, particularly among his followers. His girlfriend, Maggie Sajak, daughter of former ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak, shared her pride on Instagram, suggesting that Olson’s transition to the dance floor would be a significant one.
In a subsequent appearance on ‘Good Morning America’, Olson shared his journey from being a shy kid to discovering a love for dance. He described the transformative experience of pursuing a passion that he once thought was unattainable, and mentioned how he had even envisioned being part of the show through his TikTok posts. Olson’s openness about his excitement and the serendipitous nature of his casting resonates with the spirit of the show, where personal growth often intertwines with performance.
As the countdown to the new season continues, it is expected that a range of other contestants, including professional dancers and additional celebrities, will soon be named, further creating buzz around the competition. The innovative blend of different personalities, talents, and backgrounds promises to deliver an engaging season for viewers.
With the confirmed contestants already showcasing their zeal and commitment to the show, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 35 is gearing up to be a remarkable chapter in the series’ legacy. The anticipation doesn’t just lie in the dance routines but in the stories of growth, perseverance, and artistry that the contestants will bring to the stage.
As the competition draws nearer, fans can look forward to not only the talent and performances across the floor but also the personal journeys of the stars involved. The spectacle of choreography intertwined with personal stories is sure to captivate audiences once again when the show airs in the autumn of 2026.