Anticipation is already building for Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars,” as ABC and Disney+ begin offering an early glimpse at the celebrities set to take the ballroom floor. After adjusting its rollout approach last year, the series is once again unveiling contestants ahead of schedule.
During the Hulu Get Real event, two names were introduced before the full cast reveal, giving fans a first look at who may compete for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy this fall.
ABCWith only a handful of celebrities officially confirmed, excitement continues to grow as speculation builds around the remaining spots. As more names surface, fans are eagerly watching for the full lineup to take shape. Here’s what we all know about the Season 35 lineup.
Two Names Lead Confirmed Lineup
ABC/GettyCiara Miller: Among the first confirmed contestants is Ciara Miller, a familiar face to fans of “Summer House” and “The Traitors,” whose journey to the ballroom is marked by both heart and resilience.
Beyond the spotlight, Miller worked on the front lines as an ICU travel nurse during the pandemic, bringing a sense of purpose and strength to everything she does.
She has also built a modeling career along the way, quietly balancing multiple worlds.
With a loyal following and a story that resonates, Miller enters the competition as someone viewers may find themselves rooting for from the very start.
Maura Higgins: ABC has also confirmed that Maura Higgins will join the upcoming season. The Irish television personality first rose to prominence on “Love Island UK” and has since become a familiar face across the franchise, including her role as host of “Love Island USA: Aftersun.”
She later appeared on “The Traitors,” where her path to the finale connected with viewers. Known for her confidence and natural charm, Higgins is expected to bring both personality and energy to the ballroom.
Celebrity Rumors Range From TV Icons to Reality Stars
Getty- Henry Winkler: The “Happy Days” icon was floated as a potential contestant after William Shatner suggested his name. Winkler quickly shut down the idea, writing, “Love to you, but NO dancing, thank you.”
- Nic Vansteenberghe: The “Love Island” Season 7 finalist has openly expressed interest in joining the show and is eager for the challenge. “The thing about it is the progression would be insane. I would win most improved. I just want to dance,” he said in an interview with Glamour magazine.
- Rosie O’Donnell: The comedian and actress was rumored to be in talks, but she dismissed the speculation with humor. “This made me laugh- reminds me to never get a perm !!! completely untrue but funny 😁,” she shared on Instagram.
- Flavor Flav: After appearing as a guest judge last season, the rapper hinted producers have invited him back, though he remains unsure. “They want me to come back and dance. I don’t know. I might do it if I think I could do it,” he said, talking to People magazine, adding, “No, no, I don’t [think I could do it].”
- Ann-Margret: The legendary actress has been approached in the past but has yet to join the show. When asked about this season, she told Parade exclusively, “Oh, I have no idea,” adding, “I really am enjoying my time off.”
Reality TV Crossovers Continue to Shape the DWTS Cast
Recent seasons have highlighted a natural crossover between “Dancing with the Stars” and popular reality TV franchises, a connection that continues to shape the show’s evolving lineup.
Rob Rausch, who won Season 4 of “The Traitors,” is among the names being discussed for a potential spot.
According to a source cited by The U.S. Sun in February 2026, “Nothing is finalized, but he’s been given the offer, and there’s a spot on the cast that is his if he wants it.”
The source added, “DWTS knows he’ll be a huge heartthrob of the season. That mixed with his charm and popularity will guarantee him a decent run on the show.”
Rausch’s growing fan base and easy charm could make him a natural fit for the ballroom, where personality often shines as brightly as performance.
There is also ongoing speculation that additional personalities from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” may join the cast, following the warm reception of the series’ contestants in Season 34.
As excitement builds, viewers are watching closely for official announcements, eager to see which familiar faces will step onto the ballroom floor and begin their journey in the show’s milestone 35th season.
