The ballroom is getting ready for another season of sequins, dramatic eliminations, and unforgettable performances. As anticipation builds for Dancing With the Stars Season 35, ABC has started revealing the first celebrities who will compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
While the complete cast has not yet been announced, several contestants are already confirmed, giving fans an early look at what could become one of the show’s most diverse lineups in recent years.
The 2026 season brings together reality television stars, athletes, entertainers, and social media personalities, continuing a formula that has helped the series remain one of television’s most popular competition shows.
Here’s everything we know about the Dancing With the Stars cast 2026 so far.
Who Has Been Confirmed for Dancing With the Stars 2026?
ABC has officially revealed four celebrity contestants ahead of the full cast announcement.
The confirmed lineup currently includes:
| Celebrity | Known For |
|---|---|
| Maura Higgins | Love Island UK, The Traitors |
| Ciara Miller | Summer House, The Traitors |
| Jackson Olson | Savannah Bananas, Social Media Creator |
| Guillermo Rodriguez | Jimmy Kimmel Live! |
More celebrities are expected to be announced as the premiere date approaches.
Ciara Miller Joins the DWTS Cast
Reality television fans were excited when Ciara Miller became one of the first celebrities confirmed for Season 35.
Miller initially gained recognition through Bravo’s hit reality series Summer House, where she quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable personalities. Her popularity expanded further after appearing on The Traitors, a competition series that introduced her to a wider audience.
For many viewers, Miller seems like a natural fit for Dancing With the Stars.
She already possesses the confidence required to perform in front of cameras, and her athletic background could provide an advantage when learning challenging choreography. DWTS contestants often struggle with stamina and timing during live performances, areas where athletic competitors frequently excel.
Another reason producers may have targeted Miller is her strong fan base. Audience voting continues to play a major role throughout the competition, and reality television stars often bring highly engaged supporters.
Whether she becomes a Mirrorball contender remains to be seen, but Miller is already generating significant buzz among fans.
Why Ciara Miller Could Go Far
Several factors may work in her favor:
- Existing reality TV experience
- Strong social media following
- Athletic background
- Competitive personality
- Loyal fan support
Contestants with similar profiles have historically performed well on the show, making Miller one of the celebrities to watch when the season begins.
Jackson Olson Brings Baseball Energy to the Ballroom
One of the most unexpected additions to the cast is Jackson Olson.
Olson is best known for his involvement with the Savannah Bananas, the baseball entertainment team that has become a viral sensation across social media. Through creative content and fan-focused performances, he has built a substantial online following.
Unlike traditional professional athletes who join DWTS, Olson’s popularity comes from both sports and entertainment.
That combination could prove valuable in the ballroom.
Many successful contestants possess more than dance ability. They connect with viewers through personality, humor, and authenticity. Olson has already demonstrated those qualities through his online presence and public appearances.
His athletic background should also help him adapt to physically demanding routines.
Ballroom dancing requires coordination, endurance, and discipline, all traits athletes often bring to the competition.
What Makes Jackson Olson Different?
Compared to previous athlete contestants, Olson enters the competition with an existing connection to younger audiences.
His social media reach introduces a demographic that DWTS continues to pursue as viewing habits evolve.
If he can translate that popularity into viewer votes while showing steady improvement on the dance floor, he could become one of Season 35’s breakout stars.
Maura Higgins Makes Her Ballroom Debut
Few reality personalities have experienced the level of international popularity enjoyed by Maura Higgins.
The Irish television star became famous after appearing on Love Island UK, where her confidence, humor, and memorable personality made her one of the franchise’s most talked-about contestants.
Since then, Higgins has expanded her career significantly.
She has worked as a presenter, influencer, and television personality while appearing on multiple reality competition shows. Most recently, viewers saw her compete on The Traitors, where she once again demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences.
Her casting feels like a strategic move by ABC.
Higgins brings international recognition, a dedicated fan base, and years of experience performing in front of cameras.
Those qualities often translate well to the DWTS format.
Can Maura Higgins Win?
Many fans believe Higgins could become an early favorite.
She combines charisma with confidence, two characteristics that often help contestants navigate the pressure of live performances.
Winning, however, requires more than popularity.
Successful competitors must demonstrate consistent improvement throughout the season while forming strong partnerships with their professional dancers.
If Higgins develops quickly as a dancer, she could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Guillermo Rodriguez Could Become Season 35’s Fan Favorite
One of the most surprising names announced for Dancing With the Stars 2026 is Guillermo Rodriguez.
For years, television audiences have known Rodriguez as the lovable sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where his humor and celebrity interviews turned him into a fan favorite.
Unlike some contestants who enter the ballroom with extensive performance experience, Rodriguez arrives as a true wildcard.
That unpredictability is often what makes DWTS so entertaining.
Viewers frequently connect with contestants who begin the competition with little dance experience and gradually improve week after week. Some of the show’s most memorable journeys have come from celebrities who exceeded expectations.
Rodriguez appears perfectly positioned for that kind of storyline.
Why Fans Are Excited About Guillermo
There are several reasons viewers are already rallying behind him:
- Strong comedic personality
- Years of television experience
- Massive public recognition
- Relatable underdog appeal
- Natural charisma
If he embraces the challenge and shows steady improvement, Rodriguez could become one of the breakout stars of the season.
Returning Hosts and Judges for Season 35
While the celebrity lineup changes every year, fans can expect several familiar faces to return.
Alfonso Ribeiro Returns as Host
Former Mirrorball champion Alfonso Ribeiro has become an important part of the modern DWTS era.
His experience as both a contestant and host allows him to connect with competitors on a deeper level. Ribeiro understands the pressure contestants face and often provides encouragement during difficult moments throughout the season.
His chemistry with contestants and professional dancers continues to be a major strength for the show.
Julianne Hough Returns as Co-Host
Julianne Hough is expected to continue her role as co-host.
As a former professional dancer and champion, Hough brings credibility and expertise to the ballroom. Her knowledge of dance allows her to provide valuable insight while maintaining an engaging on-screen presence.
Together, Ribeiro and Hough have formed one of the strongest hosting duos in recent DWTS history.
Returning Judges
The judging panel is expected to remain unchanged.
Carrie Ann Inaba continues to be known for her technical critiques and attention to detail.
Derek Hough brings the perspective of a former professional champion, often offering constructive feedback that helps contestants improve.
Bruno Tonioli remains one of the most entertaining judges, known for his passionate reactions and energetic commentary.
The combination of technical expertise and entertainment value has helped the panel remain popular among viewers.
Why the Dancing With the Stars Cast 2026 Feels Different
Season 35 appears to reflect a broader shift in casting strategy.
Rather than relying heavily on traditional Hollywood celebrities, producers continue to embrace personalities from reality television, social media, streaming platforms, and viral entertainment.
This approach helps the show connect with younger audiences while maintaining its appeal among longtime fans.
The current lineup already highlights that strategy:
- Reality television stars with dedicated fan bases
- Social media personalities with millions of followers
- Sports entertainers with digital audiences
- Television personalities recognizable across generations
The result is a cast designed to generate conversation across multiple platforms.
Rumored Dancing With the Stars Cast Members
Although ABC has not confirmed additional contestants, speculation continues to circulate online.
Every year, fans attempt to predict the cast based on social media activity, television appearances, and industry rumors.
Some names frequently mentioned by fans include reality television personalities, athletes, influencers, and musicians who have recently gained media attention.
However, until ABC officially announces the remaining contestants, these names should be considered speculation rather than confirmation.
Historically, DWTS has also included surprise contestants who are not rumored beforehand, so fans should expect a few unexpected additions when the complete cast is revealed.
Which Contestant Has the Best Chance to Win?
Predicting a DWTS champion before rehearsals begin is always difficult.
Success depends on several factors:
Dance Ability
Contestants who learn choreography quickly often establish an early advantage.
Audience Votes
Even strong dancers can be eliminated if they fail to attract viewer support.
Professional Partner
The chemistry between celebrity contestants and professional dancers often plays a major role in long-term success.
Weekly Improvement
Many winners are not the strongest dancers during Week 1. Instead, they improve consistently throughout the season.
Based on current information, Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins appear to have strong early potential because of their popularity and competitive backgrounds.
However, contestants like Guillermo Rodriguez and Jackson Olson could become surprise contenders if audiences connect with their stories.
What Fans Are Saying About the Cast
Early reactions to the announced celebrities have been largely positive.
Reality television fans are excited to see familiar personalities from Summer House, Love Island, and The Traitors enter the ballroom.
Sports fans are interested in watching Jackson Olson represent the Savannah Bananas community.
Meanwhile, Guillermo Rodriguez’s inclusion has generated significant excitement among longtime television viewers.
The diversity of backgrounds suggests producers are aiming to create a season that appeals to multiple audiences rather than a single demographic.
That strategy has often led to some of the show’s most successful seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the full Dancing With the Stars cast 2026 be announced?
ABC is expected to reveal the complete Season 35 cast during a special announcement ahead of the fall premiere.
Who is confirmed for Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
Currently confirmed contestants include Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez.
Are Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returning?
Yes, both are expected to return as hosts for Season 35.
Who are the judges for Dancing With the Stars 2026?
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli are expected to return.
Is the full cast confirmed?
No. Additional celebrities are expected to be announced closer to the premiere.
Who is the favorite to win?
At this stage, it is too early to determine a frontrunner because rehearsals and professional pairings have not yet been revealed.
Final Thoughts
The Dancing With the Stars cast 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing lineups in recent memory.
With reality stars like Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, rising personalities such as Jackson Olson, and fan favorite Guillermo Rodriguez, Season 35 offers a blend of celebrity backgrounds that could create compelling storylines throughout the competition.
As ABC prepares to reveal the remaining contestants, anticipation will continue to build among fans eager to see who will take home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Until then, the confirmed celebrities have already given viewers plenty of reasons to look forward to another exciting season in the ballroom.