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- Season 35 casting update: Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins join the lineup
- Hosts and judges returning to the ballroom
- Where the announcement was made and what came next
- Ciara Miller: from Summer House to the dance stage
- Maura Higgins: a confident competitor with a global profile
- How Season 35 shapes up compared with last year
- What fans should watch for as casting unfolds
- Public reaction and social buzz around the new contestants
“Dancing With the Stars” is gearing up for a new chapter as ABC confirms a 35th season this fall. Early casting reveals pair two big names from reality TV, promising drama on and off the dance floor.
Season 35 casting update: Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins join the lineup
The show has announced two of its first celebrity competitors. Reality star Ciara Miller of Summer House and Irish personality Maura Higgins, known for The Traitors and Love Island, will compete this season.
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Pro partners for Miller and Higgins have not been revealed. Fans will be watching for pairings and the full roster, which ABC says will follow in coming announcements.
Hosts and judges returning to the ballroom
This season will bring back familiar faces to guide and critique the contestants.
- Hosts: Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will lead the live episodes.
- Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli will resume judging duties.
These veterans will arbitrate routine scores and help steer the show’s tone. Their return keeps continuity for longtime viewers.
Where the announcement was made and what came next
The casting news broke during the industry event Get Real and was reported by entertainment outlets soon after. The network teased more celebrities to come, hinting at a diverse mix of entertainers and reality stars.
Ciara Miller: from Summer House to the dance stage
Reality roots and recent headlines
Miller rose to public attention on Bravo’s Summer House. She has also appeared on The Traitors, giving her prior experience with high-stakes reality TV.
Recently, Miller was thrust into tabloid headlines after her ex-boyfriend and former close friend from the cast confirmed a relationship.
Images circulated of a visibly upset Miller outside a Manhattan boutique after the revelation. The episode fueled social media conversation ahead of her DWTS debut.
What Ciara says about reality TV
- She credits reality television with launching her career.
- She notes the genre shaped her confidence and opened business opportunities.
- She has described being grateful for the network of friendships and life changes reality TV produced.
This season marks a shift for Miller from Bravo competition formats to a live dance show.
Maura Higgins: a confident competitor with a global profile
Television highlights and public image
Maura emerged on Love Island Season 5 and later built a profile as a presenter on Love Island Aftersun programs.
She finished as runner-up on Peacock’s The Traitors, a run defined by high emotion and a dramatic betrayal.
Her competitive mindset
Higgins has publicly stated she felt certain she would win The Traitors. That level of self-belief could translate well to DWTS rehearsals and stage presence.
Her background in modeling and television gives her a polished on-camera presence but not necessarily dance experience.
How Season 35 shapes up compared with last year
Last season’s Mirrorball Trophy went to Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson. They beat out Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy in the final.
Season 35 will test fresh celebrity talent against experienced pros and veteran judges, with viewer votes again playing a decisive role.
What fans should watch for as casting unfolds
- Official reveal of pro partners for the announced celebrities.
- A full celebrity roster that will mix reality stars, athletes, and performers.
- Preseason training footage and early performance previews.
- Judging dynamics as the season progresses and storylines develop.
Expect social media to fuel speculation about pairings and scoring. Producers often pace announcements to build momentum into premiere night.
Public reaction and social buzz around the new contestants
Fans of Summer House and Love Island have already reacted online. Some praise the casting as a smart reality-TV crossover. Others are eager to see how the newcomers adapt to ballroom technique.
Entertainment reporters point out that recruiting reality stars remains a reliable strategy to attract digital audiences and generate headlines.
