Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Cast: A Star-Studded Lineup for the Mirrorball
Dancing With the Stars has unveiled its full season 35 cast, and the lineup is packed with Emmy nominees, Olympic gold medalists, reality TV favorites, and a bona fide Hollywood sweetheart. The show, coming off a record-breaking 34th season, will premiere with a two-night event on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming on Hulu and Disney+ the following day.
Four contestants were announced early: Traitors runner-up Maura Higgins, baseball player Jackson Olson, Summer House star Ciara Miller, and late-night fixture Guillermo Rodriguez, who was revealed as the partner of reigning champion pro Witney Carson. Now, the full roster is out, and it promises drama, elegance, and a few surprises.
Who are the standout celebrities in the season 35 cast?
The TV-heavy cast is led by Julia Stiles, the Emmy-nominated star of Save the Last Dance, who was long rumored to be a centerpiece of this season. She will be partnered with relative newcomer Ezra Sosa. Also joining are celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, The Rookie actress Jenna Dewan, and Grey's Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr.
Olympic and athletic talent is well represented. Ezra Frech, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in track and field, will dance with Daniella Karagach. Amber Glenn, who won gold with the U.S. ice skating team at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, is paired with Pasha Pashkov. Jackson Olson, a second baseman for the exhibition Savannah Bananas, teams up with Emma Slater.
Which professional dancers are returning for season 35?
Fan favorites are back in force. Daniella Karagach, Mark Ballas, Jenna Johnson, and Witney Carson all return to the ballroom. They are joined by Jan Ravnik, who debuted last year, and Adele Zaikman, the winner of the spinoff series Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. Hailey Bills has been promoted from the troupe to the main cast.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough return as judges. Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will co-host. Andy Richter takes over the official DWTS podcast, and a new live After Party will air on Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. ET.
Full list of Dancing With the Stars season 35 celebrity pairings
- Tatyana Ali (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) with Jan Ravnik
- Tyler Cameron (The Bachelorette) with Sharna Burgess
- Giada De Laurentiis (celebrity chef) with Alan Bersten
- Jenna Dewan (The Rookie) with Val Chmerkovskiy
- Ezra Frech (Paralympic gold medalist) with Daniella Karagach
- Amber Glenn (Olympic figure skater) with Pasha Pashkov
- Taylor Hanson (Hanson) with Britt Stewart
- Maura Higgins (The Traitors) with Mark Ballas
- Conner Leavitt (reality TV personality) with Adele Zaikman
- Ciara Miller (Summer House) with Brandon Armstrong
- Sarah Jane Nader (Love Thy Nader) with Hailey Bills
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas) with Emma Slater
- Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live) with Witney Carson
- Harry Shum Jr. (Grey's Anatomy) with Jenna Johnson
- Julia Stiles (Save the Last Dance) with Ezra Sosa
- Connor Wood (podcaster) with Rylee Arnold
What advantages do certain contestants bring to the ballroom?
Jenna Dewan has a clear edge, having danced backup for Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson before her acting career. Maura Higgins pairs her reality TV instincts with Mark Ballas, who just came off a judging stint on The Next Pro. Julia Stiles brings nostalgia and a dedicated fan base from her 2001 dance film classic.
Ezra Frech, born without most of his left leg, is a motivational speaker and disability rights advocate. His athletic discipline could translate well to the dance floor. Amber Glenn follows in the footsteps of ice skating champions like Kristi Yamaguchi and Adam Rippon, both of whom won the Mirrorball.
Why does this season matter for the show's future?
Season 34 set a viewership record, proving the show's enduring appeal. The producers have clearly invested in a diverse cast that spans generations and fan bases, from 90s sitcom nostalgia to current reality TV drama. The addition of the live After Party suggests ABC is doubling down on the franchise's momentum.
For fans, the question is whether Julia Stiles can live up to the hype, or if a dark horse like Conner Leavitt or Sarah Jane Nader will steal the spotlight. The competition begins Sept. 15.
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