“Dancing With the Stars” champion Witney Carson delighted fans when she announced she was returning for season 35. However, this year will look a bit different.
Recently, the 32-year-old announced she and her husband, Carson McAllister, are expecting their third child together. It’s not entirely unheard of for professional dancers to compete while pregnant. In the DWTS season 31 finale, Witney announced she was pregnant with her second child. But kicking off the season pregnant could present some challenges.
In a new interview with Derek Hough, Witney Carson explained her plan for competing on “Dancing With the Stars” this year and how she plans to protect herself and her baby while dancing.
Witney Carson Wants to Keep Moving Her Body While Pregnant
Beloved “Dancing With the Stars” pro Witney Carson is kicking season 35 off pregnant. Though it’s not a typical situation, she’s prepared to take all the necessary precautions.
“Reigning #DWTS champ Witney Carson talks returning for Season 35 and jokes her partner Guillermo Rodriguez was ‘relieved’ she’s pregnant — that means ‘a lot of breaks for food,’ 🤣” ExtraTV captioned a new Instagram post.
In the clip, Witney sits down with Derek Hough to discuss the upcoming season and how her pregnancy will play a role.
“It wasn’t quite on my bingo card,” the reigning champion admitted. Hough asked her to elaborate on her decision to return to the show.
“Honestly, this is my livelihood,” Witney shared. This is how I provide for my family. I love dance so much, I love ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ I love competing. It was the right time to grow our family so if I can do both and the baby’s healthy and I’m healthy, then why not do both? It’s the best of both worlds.”
Witney noted that she consulted with her doctor, who encouraged her to keep moving her body. But even so, she’s taking precautions and won’t likely choreograph any wild stunts this year.
“I won’t necessarily be doing any crazy lifts or jumping off cliffs,” she quipped.
The DWTS Pro Is Excited to Partner With Guillermo Rodriguez
Later in the clip, Witney Carson gushes over her new partner, Guillermo Rodriguez.
“I actually just met him today,” the dancer revealed. “He’s so sweet. Just the most endearing human being. His energy is the best. He’s naturally so funny. I was worried telling him I was pregnant because I was like, ‘Hopefully he’s okay with it.’ And he’s like, ‘Actually, I’m really relieved because that means you’re going to take a lot of breaks for food.'”
Witney and Derek laughed over the conversation, noting that it seemed like a perfect match. Even though Guillermo Rodriguez doesn’t have prior dance experience, he’s ready to learn.
“He’s ready for it. He’s down for the challenge, which is good,” the 32-year-old shared.
Witney Carson and the rest of the “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 cast will appear on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, September 2.
The season 35 premiere kicks off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, on ABC. There will be a second episode the following night on Wednesday, September 16. Tune in and see all the exciting performances this year has to offer.
