There are still several months ahead of the next “Dancing With the Stars” season. But already, there are many moving pieces behind the scenes. In a new interview, executive producer and casting director Deena Katz has dished on her plans for DWTS season 35.
With two celebrities already confirmed, there are plenty more surprises just around the corner. See what Deena Katz had to say about the casting process and what she thinks of the two women who will compete this fall.
Deena Katz Teases What’s Ahead in DWTS Season 35
Fans won’t see the official DWTS season 35 cast list until late this summer or early fall. But rest assured, the creative team is working on it.
“We’re deep into it,” Deena Katz shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re already deep into casting, we’re talking themes — we’re talking everything.”
So far, only two celebrities have been confirmed ahead of season 35. Maura Higgins from “Love Island” and Ciara Miller from “Summer House” will compete for the Mirrorball trophy this fall. Deena Katz feels honored to have both women on board.
“Maura has literally manifested this. She texts me every time she’s coming to L.A,” Katz continued, adding that Maura is entertaining and makes “great television.”
“[Maura] is exactly what our show is, and she’s having a moment right now, so that was a no brainer. And knowing what was going to happen with ‘Traitors‘ and seeing the buzz about her, she was fantastic,” the casting director continued.
Katz went on to gush about Ciara Miller, too. The “Summer House” star’s ex-boyfriend and best friend, West Wilson and Amanda Batula, just came forward with their relationship. That’s thrown Ciara into the center of the scandal, reminiscent of 2023’s Scandoval.
“I already knew Ciara. She was on ‘Traitors,’ and she’s wonderful. She’s stunning, she’s gorgeous, she’s all these things,” Deena Katz revealed. “And then the stuff that happened to her, it was a really of the moment thing that we all felt like it was the right time. We really wanted her on the show, but it was also the right time to announce her.”
Maura Higgins Made Her Choice for a Dance Partner Clear
While Ciara Miller seems willing to keep her options open, Maura Higgins has already publicly declared she wants her “Traitors” co-star Mark Ballas as her professional dance partner.
“Mark. I want Mark as my partner,” the Irish model told Bustle in an Instagram video. “I’m gonna be happy you know with… Well I won’t say anyone. But I’m not gonna be upset if I get ‘not Mark.’ But Mark would be perfect.”
The cast of professional dancers changes yearly. Many familiar faces return with some new names entering the competition. This year, there will be a spin-off as the series hunts for the next pro dancer. Viewers are excited to learn more about the cast and see who joins the competition this year.
Fans can catch “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” on Monday, July 13. After that, DWTS season 35 will premiere on ABC this September.
