The anticipation for the new season of *Dancing with the Stars* is building, with the long-cherished competition set to return for its 35th season on 15th and 16th September. This popular series, which showcases a mix of talents from across the entertainment spectrum, offers contestants the chance to compete for the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
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The line-up for this season was officially revealed during the live broadcast of *Good Morning America* on 2nd September. Among the diverse roster of participants are actors, former dancers, athletes, and reality television stars, all preparing to impress the judges with their dancing skills and charisma.
Highlighting this season’s roster are familiar faces such as Jenna Dewan, known for her role in *The Rookie* and her background as a professional dancer, who will be teaming up with Val Chmerkovskiy. Julia Stiles, celebrated for her part in *Save the Last Dance*, is set to dance with partner Ezra Sosa. Another notable pairing includes actor and dancer Harry Shum Jr., who has previously starred in *Grey’s Anatomy*, alongside Jenna Johnson.
This season also welcomes several prominent figures from reality television. Contestants include Tyler Cameron from *The Bachelor*, who will partner with Sharna Burgess, and Tatyana Ali from *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, who is teamed up with Jan Ravnik. Celeb chef Giada De Laurentiis will showcase her skills with partner Alan Bersten, while musician Taylor Hanson, of the famed band Hanson, will dance with Britt Stewart.
Athletes are well represented this season, with Paralympian gold medalist Ezra Frech partnered with Daniella Karagach, and Olympic figure skating champion Amber Glenn teaming up with Pasha Pashkov. In addition to these high-profile competitors, the show will also feature relatives of former contestants. Conner Leavitt, the husband of Whitney Leavitt from *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, is paired with Adele Zaikman, the winner of *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro*, while reality star Sarah Jane Nader, sister to season 33’s contestant Brooks Nader, will compete with Hailey Bills.
Four additional contestants were previously announced, including Ciara Miller from *Summer House*, who is paired with Brandon Armstrong. Maura Higgins, known from *Love Island UK* and *The Traitors*, will challenge herself with Mark Ballas, while Guillermo Rodriguez from *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* takes to the dance floor with Witney Carson. Rounding out this combination is baseball player Jackson Olson from the Savannah Bananas, dancing with Emma Slater.
Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will resume their roles, bringing their own flair and enthusiasm to the show. Judging will be carried out by the familiar trio of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, ensuring that contestants receive constructive critiques aimed at improving their performances.
This upcoming season promises exciting novelties, following a record-breaking finale last year which drew an impressive audience of 9.24 million viewers—the highest in nine years, according to reports. Notably, Witney Carson will make history this season by becoming the first professional dancer to compete while in her second trimester of pregnancy, following her win last year alongside Robert Irwin.
The return of Sharna Burgess is also a significant highlight, as she makes her comeback to the ballroom after a five-season hiatus, having last competed in 2021 with her fiancé Brian Austin Green.
*Dancing with the Stars* will be kick-started with a two-night premiere on 15th and 16th September, airing on ABC and Disney+. For those unable to catch the live broadcasts, episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu, ensuring fans can keep up with all the competitive dance excitement.
With a mix of star power, talent, and emotional stories, this season of *Dancing with the Stars* is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences as they cheer on their favourite contestants on the path to victory.