The beloved dancing competition series, *Dancing with the Stars*, is set to make its highly anticipated return to screens in September 2026, marking the launch of its 35th season. Following the success of its milestone 34th season, which celebrated the show’s 20th anniversary and saw a record-breaking audience, the new series promises to bring the same level of excitement and competition that fans have come to love.
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The announcement regarding the return of the series was made earlier this year, with the premiere slated for a two-night event beginning on 15th September 2026. The show, which has become a fixture of American television, features a mix of celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers, and continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of performance and competition.
Among those confirmed to appear in the upcoming season are Ciara Miller, known for her role in the reality show *Summer House*, and Maura Higgins, who gained fame from the show *The Traitors*. These two stars were the first to be announced for the season, creating buzz around the cast as fans eagerly await further announcements.
Additionally, the season will include a new professional dancer, who will earn their place in the competition through the spin-off series *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro*. This addition is expected to inject fresh energy into the ballroom and offer a new dynamic to the proceedings.
As for who will be hosting the show, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are likely to reprise their roles as co-hosts, having taken on this responsibility since season 32. Their chemistry and rapport have become a big part of the show’s charm, and their return is widely anticipated by fans of the franchise.
While the professional dancer lineup is still under wraps, some fan-favourite pros have expressed interest in returning. One of the original dancers, Louis Van Amstel, has publicly stated his eagerness to compete again, saying he feels he still has more to offer. Others, such as Rylee Arnold, have also hinted at their desire to return, creating speculation about the final roster of professional talent.
As the show builds momentum towards its premiere, the full celebrity cast is set to be unveiled during a special segment on *Good Morning America* in September. Along with Miller and Higgins, additional contestants have been hinted at, including baseball player Jackson Olson and comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, known as the sidekick of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.
Judging for season 35 remains a closely guarded secret, although it is expected that the popular trio of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will return to assess the dancers’ performances. Season 34 also featured various guest judges, including former host Tom Bergeron, who delighted in his return to the ballroom after a long absence.
Fans of *Dancing with the Stars* can catch up on previous seasons, specifically seasons 31 through 34, which are available for streaming on Disney+. With the excitement surrounding the upcoming season, viewers can expect nothing short of dazzling performances, unexpected twists, and the heartwarming moments that have made the show a staple of reality television.
As anticipation builds and the premiere date draws closer, all eyes will be on the ballroom as audiences prepare for another thrilling journey filled with twirls, dramatic performances, and the ever-elusive Mirrorball trophy. Whether you are a long-time viewer or a newcomer, the upcoming season promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with glitz, glamour, and fierce competition.