‘DWTS’ champ Robert Irwin to host ‘The Next Pro’ as ballroom spinoff sets release date
'Dancing with the Stars' champion Robert Irwin has a new gig. The Season 34 winner will return to the franchise to host the new spinoff series, 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro', which looks at unearthing the next pro dancer to join the main series. ABC made the official announcement featuring the 22-year-old wildlife conservationist at the 'Get Real House' event on Wednesday. Per the streamer, the new spinoff features 12 rising dancers moving into a house together and competing through an audition. Winning it sees them secure a spot on 'DWTS' Season 35. Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley, are tapped as judges for the new show. 'The Next Pro' premieres July 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu.
Per ABC, the official logline reads, "Hosted by wildlife conservationist and “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro," features 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars." In addition, the dancers will be joined by a roster of returning pros serving as mentors and guest judges. The announcement will be made at a later date. Conrad Green serves as showrunner and executive producer. Ryan O’Dowd, Krystal Whitney, Alex Cross, and Jenny Groom serve as executive producers. Deena Katz and Quinn Lipton are co-executive producers. At the time of writing, there is no official word on who the 12 rising phenoms are.
Speaking about the developments, Irwin was amped about his new role. "Crikey, this is going to be fun," he said from the stage at the event. Shirley, who serves as the judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the UK, also added: "Now it's time to find the next pro who can keep up with our seasoned pros and whip these rookie stars into shape." In related news, 'DWTS' Season 35 had an update with Ciara Miller ('Summer House') and Maura Higgins ('Love Island' and 'Traitors') announced as celebrity contestants for the new season. The entire cast is expected to be announced in the following weeks, with the 35th edition set to premiere in Fall 2026. Meanwhile, fans can watch the previous seasons and choose performances streaming on Hulu.
