‘DWTS’ Season 35 confirms two cast members and there's a fan-favorite ‘Summer House’ star joining
'Dancing With The Stars' (DWTS) is entering its new chapter with two big names. Hulu, in its recent 'Get Real House' event, announced that reality stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller will join the ballroom in its upcoming season. The rest of the pro dancers and celebrities involved in the season will be announced at a later date. No premiere date has been attached, though the show is confirmed to air sometime in the fall. The upcoming season will follow the extremely successful Season 34, which was a ratings blockbuster and crowned Robert Irwin and his pro Witney Carson as victors in November 2025.
Ciara Miller has taken over headlines since being publicly 'betrayed' by her ex-flame, West Wilson, and 'friend' Amanda Batula. This DWTS move aligns her career trajectory with another Bravo star, Ariana Madix, also a part of a similar scandal in 2023. Evidently, the show considers Miller as one of the biggest highlights in the upcoming season, as the presence of some headline-making reality stars helped it create one of its most successful installments last year. “Everyone’s been talking about what her next move will be. It's going to be in the ballroom 🤩 Watch @ciaramiller___ on #DWTS, this fall on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu!” DWTS wrote in the post announcing the 'Summer House' alum as a contestant.
Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted at Walt Disney TV, was elated with the inclusion of Miller in the show, as per Variety. "There’s an old phrase: The best way to get over a lover is to dance with a stranger. We really thought this was the perfect opportunity for that. We’re really excited. We had a Zoom with her, and she couldn’t have been lovelier," he shared. "And by the time we start with 'Dancing' in September, this 'Summer House' scandal will be old. I think that, regardless of that, and whether or not you know anything about Ciara, if you watch 'Dancing With the Stars,' you’re gonna fall in love with her. So we’re really excited for her to be part of the cast."
Maura Higgins will join Miller on the dance floor. Both reality stars share a connection from 'The Traitors.' Higgins appeared in Season 4, while Miller graced Season 3. Higgins was one of the breakout stars of the immensely successful season, where she took the runner-up position. Her roots can be traced back to the UK version of 'Love Island,' where her bold personality made her an instant fan favorite. Higgins came on the DWTS' radar soon after 'The Traitors' finale. "You listen to what people are saying, and what the buzz is — and certainly with 'Dancing,' people will tell you! Last year with Dylan Efron, you just immediately heard, 'He needs to go on ‘Dancing!'' So that was the same thing with Maura. It was a pretty easy call. It happened pretty soon after that finale aired," Mills explained.
The event also revealed details about a DWTS spinoff in the making titled 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.' The show will feature 12 professional dancers moving into one house, and compete for a pro spot in the flagship show through a gruelling audition process. The show will be hosted by Season 34 champ Robert Irwin and judged by mother-son duo Mark and Shirley Ballas.
