Disney has officially announced the first two celebrity contestants for the upcoming season of **Dancing with the Stars** (DWTS), set to begin this autumn. Maura Higgins, known for her appearances on **Love Island** and **The Traitors**, will be joined by Ciara Miller from **Summer House** in this highly anticipated 35th season. The announcement adds to the excitement building around the show, particularly after the impressive viewership figures recorded in the previous season.
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The unveiling of this news took place during Hulu’s **Get Real House** event on 22nd April. While Higgins and Miller are the initial cast members confirmed, the complete line-up of celebrities and professional dancers is yet to be revealed, generating intrigue among fans who eagerly await further announcements.
Both women have made a name for themselves in the realm of reality television. Higgins, aged 35, showcased her strategic prowess by finishing second in the fourth season of **The Traitors**, while Miller, 30, featured in the show’s third season. Their robust reality television backgrounds suggest that they will bring a mix of charisma and competitiveness to the dance floor.
The previous season of DWTS achieved remarkable success, garnering a staggering 72 million votes during its finale alone, and nearly half a billion votes throughout the entire season. This impressive participation reflects the show’s enduring appeal and fan engagement, culminating in Robert Irwin, alongside professional dancer Witney Carson, emerging as the champions in a gripping finale that took place back in November.
In addition to the celebrity casting announcement, Hulu recently introduced a new series titled **Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro**. This show, set to premiere on 13th July on ABC, will be hosted by Irwin and will spotlight 12 promising dancers. These contestants will reside together and engage in a challenging audition process, competing for a chance to join the professional roster for season 35 of DWTS. Judging the competition will be standout Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, with a rotating selection of guest judges to lend their expertise.
As both Miller and Higgins prepare for their upcoming performances, Miller continues to thrive in her role on **Summer House**, which is currently airing its tenth season on Bravo. In a recent interview with *Glamour*, she discussed her personal life and professional experiences, addressing the fallout from public scandals and expressing apprehension about joining other reality shows, such as **The Bachelorette**: “F— no,” Miller stated firmly. “I’m way too private.”
Miller and Higgins have also showcased their skills as red-carpet hosts, further enhancing their entertainment credentials. Miller had the opportunity to act as a correspondent during the premiere of HBO’s **Euphoria** season 3, while Higgins took on media duties for A24 at the premiere of **The Drama**. Their diverse experiences reflect their adaptability and ability to connect with audiences across different platforms.
Viewers can look forward to witnessing both contestants as they bring their unique personalities to the ballroom. With the show set to broadcast on ABC and Disney+, episodes will also be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
As the new season approaches, excitement continues to build among fans. The blend of reality television celebrities, the competitive spirit, and the lure of dance make **Dancing with the Stars** a must-watch event each year, and the inclusion of Higgins and Miller promises to add even more intrigue to the show’s storied legacy.