Is ‘Dancing With The Stars’ spin-off in the works? Insiders tease major announcement and this could be huge

Spinoff buzz grows around ‘DWTS’ after insiders hint at a major new competition that could reshape the franchise’s future.
PUBLISHED FEB 12, 2026
A still from 'Dancing with the Stars' (Cover image credit: Instagram | @DWTS)
A still from 'Dancing with the Stars' (Cover image credit: Instagram | @DWTS)

The new season of 'Dancing with the Stars' might be months away, but fans of the show have every reason to be excited. A potential 'DWTS' spinoff is in the works after previous reports stating otherwise sparked gut reactions when a spinoff was scrapped. The latest revelations from industry insiders have sparked hope among the show's faithful that there will be more accessory content from the hit reality series. 

A screenshot from the 'DWTS' Tour 2026 (Cover image credit: Instagram | DWTS)
A screenshot from the 'DWTS' Tour 2026 (Cover image credit: Instagram | DWTS)

Speculations were rife after reports of several former and current 'DWTS' pros shared news of being New York-bound. The rumor mills began to churn when former star Lindsay Arnold shared she would be traveling to the Big Apple for an "undisclosed" project. Adding to it were fellow pros Witney Carson and Sasha Farber, hinting they were part of a project via their Instagram. However, they did not share any further details.

Social media was abuzz when some of these pros revealed that they were working on an unnamed project. While some fans believed the news was about the return of 'DWTS: Juniors', an insider, Kristyn Burtt, claimed the show was planning a spinoff to unearth its next pro. She also added that the cast was set and that filming would be underway in February in Australia. Some believe the new spinoff details will be announced during the convention later this summer, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Also adding to this was another key insider, Reality Steve. The reliable scooper took to X to share more on the spinoff. "I know people were hoping for a DWTS-pro show for today’s announcement. I can confirm it’s happening,” he posted on Tuesday night. "Robert Irwin is hosting, 2 of the judges are Mark Ballas and his mom [Shirley Ballas], and the winner will be a pro on next season of DWTS. Announcement is coming soon." The string of updates comes on the back of the show's announcement that it would hold its first-ever 'DWTS' con this summer in Palm Springs.



In related news, a casting call for the series by McNulty Casting, Lissette Pinon, was issued in October. Per BBC Studios, the show was looking for 'exceptional' dancers to compete for a spot as 'DWTS' pro. "Looking for standout dancers with world-class technique, star quality, and the ability to light up a stage,” the casting call read. “Ballroom is your foundation, your passion! Show us your full range!" The call further stated that dancers would be given the opportunity to train with 'celebrity partners'. These have led to immense speculations from fans that a spinoff is indeed in the works.

'DWTS' is currently on hiatus and will usually release during the fall window. ABC has yet to drop any information on season 35. While the spinoff chatter gathers steam, all eyes will be on the DWTS con set to take place from July 31 to August 2. The event will feature Mirrorball Champions, ros, judges, and more fan favorites. The tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, February 14, at 7 a.m. ET onwards with a presale on February 12.

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