DWTS Season 35 Cast Revealed: Every Star Chasing the Mirrorball
Dancing with the Stars Season 35: Everything We Know So Far
The Ballroom Is Getting Ready
ABC is busy polishing the dance floor for a brand-new season of Dancing with the Stars! Season 35 is on the way, and a fresh group of celebrities is lacing up their dance shoes to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
While the network is keeping the official cast list a secret for now, rehearsals have already started this week. To keep the surprise alive, the stars are being spotted wearing masks and being escorted out of studios so no one recognizes them early.
Important Point: The full celebrity lineup will be officially revealed on September 2 during Good Morning America. Mark your calendars!
Confirmed Stars: Who We Know Is Dancing
Thanks to announcements at Disney events and ABC presentations, four celebrities are officially confirmed for Season 35:
| Celebrity | Known For | How They Were Announced |
|---|---|---|
| Ciara Miller | Summer House (Bravo reality star) | Revealed at Disney’s "Get Real" unscripted TV event in April |
| Maura Higgins | The Traitors USA breakout star & former Love Island UK contestant | Announced at the same "Get Real" event in April |
| Jackson Olson | Star second baseman for the Savannah Bananas (entertainment baseball team) | Confirmed at ABC’s upfront presentation in May |
| Guillermo Rodríguez | Beloved sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Added to the cast more recently |
Rumored Contestants: The Buzz on Social Media
Several other names are circulating as strong possibilities (but not yet confirmed by ABC):
- Tyler Cameron – Fan favorite from The Bachelorette Season 15
- Jenna Dewan – Actress and dancer, known for the Step Up movies
- Connor Leavitt – Husband of Whitney Leavitt (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives)
- Sarah Jane Nader – Star of Love Thy Nader
Important Point: Both Connor Leavitt and Sarah Jane Nader are already part of the "Disney family" (Hulu shows), which fits ABC’s strategy of crossing over stars from their streaming platforms.
How the Casting Process Works (In Simple Steps)
- Disney/ABC selects potential stars from their network shows, streaming platforms (Hulu/Disney+), and pop culture.
- Negotiations happen behind the scenes — schedules, contracts, and partner availability.
- Rehearsals begin quietly — stars practice in secret, often wearing disguises.
- Official reveal — usually on a high-profile morning show (Good Morning America).
- Season premiere — the show airs live, and voting begins!
Why This Season Matters
- Cross-platform synergy: ABC is leaning heavily into its "Get Real" campaign — using stars from Hulu reality shows (The Traitors, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Love Island) to build a connected universe.
- Sports meets entertainment: Jackson Olson brings viral sports entertainment (Savannah Bananas are famous for choreographed dances mid-game!).
- Late-night favorite: Guillermo is a fan-favorite personality, not a traditional "celebrity contestant" — a fun twist!
Summary
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is shaping up to be a star-studded, surprise-filled season. Four celebrities are confirmed (Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson, Guillermo Rodríguez), with several more rumored (Tyler Cameron, Jenna Dewan, Connor Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader). The official cast reveal happens September 2 on Good Morning America. Until then, the masks stay on — and the speculation continues!
FAQ
Q: When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
A: ABC hasn’t announced the exact premiere date yet, but the cast reveal is September 2 on Good Morning America. The show typically premieres in mid-to-late September.
Q: Who is the Mirrorball Trophy named after?
A: It’s named after Len Goodman, the beloved former head judge who passed away in 2023. He was a ballroom legend and a fan favorite.
Q: Are the rumored celebrities definitely on the show?
A: No — Tyler Cameron, Jenna Dewan, Connor Leavitt, and Sarah Jane Nader are rumors only. Only Ciara, Maura, Jackson, and Guillermo are confirmed.
Q: Can I vote for my favorite couple?
A: Yes! Once the season starts, viewers can vote live during the broadcast via phone, text, or the ABC app (details shared each episode).
Q: Where can I watch past seasons?
A: Previous seasons of Dancing with the Stars are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.