Kit KittlestadApr 24, 2026 4 min read

DWTS Season 35 Cast Reveal: The First Two Contestants Are Here

Last season’s winners, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. | Disney
Last season’s winners, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. | Disney

It doesn’t take a full cast list to get people talking. The first DWTS Season 35 contestants have officially been announced and, if this is the tone for the rest of the season, things are going to get interesting fast.

So far, only two names are confirmed, but that’s been enough to set the mood.

The First Names on the Dance Floor

Let’s start with who we do know:

  • Ciara Miller

  • Maura Higgins

Both were revealed during a recent event, marking the first official DWTS new cast announcement for the upcoming season.

Ciara Miller (left) and Maura Higgins. | Bravo / Peacock
Ciara Miller (left) and Maura Higgins. | Bravo / Peacock

And, yes, both come with built-in storylines.

Ciara Miller arrives fresh off reality TV drama, while Maura Higgins brings her signature chaos energy and competitive edge. 

If you’ve watched either of them before, you already know this won’t be a quiet season.

Not Exactly Ballroom Backgrounds… and That’s the Point

Neither of these picks are trained dancers, which is exactly why they work. DWTS has always thrived on contrast. Many contestants walk in unsure, slightly uncoordinated, and fully aware that they might fall flat on their faces on live TV.

That’s what makes the Dancing With the Stars lineup so watchable. It’s not about perfection. It’s about watching someone figure it out in real time, ideally without taking their partner down with them.

Why This Season Feels Bigger Already

Season 35 isn’t just another round of glitter and spray tans. There’s a full expansion happening around it.

A new spinoff, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, is set to feed directly into the main show, with new dancers competing for a spot in the ballroom.

Robert Irwin will host "Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro." | Disney
Robert Irwin will host "Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro." | Disney

The spinoff will also bring in a new judging setup, with Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, another pro, judging the competition. We can also look forward to rotating guest judges and mentors.

That means the Dancing With the Stars cast for 2026 isn’t just about celebrities anymore. The professional side is evolving, too. Translation: more drama, more pressure, and probably more intense rehearsal footage.

The Rest of the Cast Is Still Under Wraps

Right now, if you’re wondering who is on DWTS Season 35, the answer is… not many… yet.

Only two contestants have been confirmed so far, and the rest of the cast will roll out closer to the premiere.

That’s pretty standard for DWTS. They like to drip-feed their announcements, keep the speculation alive, and let the Internet do what it does best: guess wildly.

What This Usually Means for the Season

ABC

If early casting tells us anything, we’re in for:

  • Big personalities

  • Reality TV crossover energy

  • At least one unexpected breakout star

And, statistically speaking, at least one person who insists they “have no dance experience” and then immediately nails a perfect routine in week two.

The Cast Is Just Getting Started

The DWTS Season 35 contestants list is just getting started.

But, if these first picks are any indication, the ballroom is about to get loud, competitive, and very entertaining. Looks like we have a lot to look forward to this season! 


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