Official Cast Reveal for Season 35
Dancing with the Stars confirmed its full cast list for the upcoming 35th season on the September 2 episode of Good Morning America. The reality competition series, a staple of primetime television, will debut its new season across two nights starting Tuesday, September 15. The announcement provides the specific pairings that will compete for the Mirrorball Trophy this year.
The lineup features a diverse set of participants ranging from reality television veterans to Olympic athletes. Notable names include Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Tatyana Ali, paired with professional dancer Jan Ravnik. Bachelorette alum Tyler Cameron will dance alongside Sharna Burgess. Chef Giada De Laurentiis joins the competition with partner Alan Bersten. Actress Jenna Dewan is set to perform with Val Chmerkovskiy, while paralympian Ezra Frech is paired with Daniella Karagach. Other confirmed contestants include figure skater Amber Glenn, musician Taylor Hanson, actor Harry Shum Jr., actress Julia Stiles, and comedian Connor Wood. These pairs join the previously announced team of Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson, who serves as the defending champion after her win in Season 34.
Behind the Scenes and Pro Partnerships
This season introduces several unique dynamics on the dance floor. Conner Leavitt, husband of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, enters the competition with debut pro dancer Adele Zaikman. Zaikman earned her spot after winning the inaugural season of the spin-off series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. Sarah Jane Nader joins the cast with Hailey Bills, marking the second time in series history that a same-sex couple will compete. This addition continues a trend of family representation on the show, as Nader’s sister, Brooks Nader, appeared in Season 33.
The professional dance roster is marked by specific strategic pairings. Summer House star Ciara Miller will dance with Brandon Armstrong. Maura Higgins, known for her stint on Love Island, is paired with former Traitors costar Mark Ballas. Savannah Bananas standout Jackson Olson will compete with Emma Slater. Witney Carson, 32, maintains her presence on the show while pregnant, creating what she describes as an unofficial trio alongside her partner, Guillermo Rodriguez.
Production Details and Industry Context
Returning to lead the show are co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Their positions were officially confirmed on the September 1 broadcast of Good Morning America. The judging panel retains its established structure, with Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli presiding over the performances. The production team aims to maintain the high viewership benchmarks established in previous cycles by securing recognizable talent from niche entertainment sectors like reality TV and sports exhibitions.
The process of finalizing this cast began months ago. Participants like Maura Higgins expressed interest as early as April at a Hulu media event. She noted that she turned down offers from other international franchises to ensure her availability for the American version of the program. This commitment highlights the status of the series within the competitive reality television market. The show remains a primary revenue driver for ABC and maintains a strong presence on Disney+ and Hulu platforms.
As the premiere dates of September 15 and 16 approach, the focus shifts to training cycles. The success of the season depends on these celebrity contestants adapting to professional choreography under strict time constraints. Viewers should monitor how these individual pairings evolve, particularly given the historical performance data of the returning professional dancers. The inclusion of figures like Jackson Olson signals a move toward broadening the talent pool into non-traditional celebrity categories like sports exhibitionism. This strategy reflects a broader trend in television production where casting aims to tap into established social media followings.