“Dancing With the Stars” reigning champion Witney Carson is incredibly proud of her faith. However, appearing in a reality show based on her church wasn’t part of her plan.
In a new interview, the professional dancer revealed that “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” wanted to cast her. While Witney was flattered and enjoys watching the show, it was never going to be the right choice for her.
Witney Carson Enjoys ‘SLOMW’ But Wasn’t Interested in a Starring Role
Witney Carson is no stranger to the exciting world of reality television. In 2012, she competed on “So You Think You Can Dance” season 9, finishing in the top six. Shortly after, she joined “Dancing With the Stars” as a troupe member starting in season 16.
Since then, her popularity has completely skyrocketed. So much in fact that “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” wanted her on the show. However, the dancer chose to turn down the offer.
“Well, it’s not quite that community that you see on TV. We’re not all swingers, okay?” Witney laughed while speaking to PEOPLE. “I actually know a lot of those women. I actually was approached to do ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ and I really don’t have anything against them.”
Witney went on to say that she has absolutely nothing against the SLOMW stars and believes everyone has their unique experience within the church.
“I wouldn’t say those girls represent the church as a whole,” the 32-year-old continued. “I am a very big fan, I watch it, I have binged everything. So it’s been very entertaining to watch.”
The Professional Dancer Gushes Over the Season 34 Contestants
“Dancing With the Stars” fans are excited to see the season 35 contestants enter the ballroom. However, Witney Carson is still in awe of last year’s competitors. While speaking to PEOPLE, she admitted that she and SLOMW star Whitney Leavitt were already acquainted.
“Whitney and I actually grew up dancing competitively against each other,” the season 34 champion shared. “So I knew her in the jazz competition world well before she got on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ And it was just actually very strange that we met up back together in kind of the same dance world but in a very different way.”
“Also Robert [Irwin] I knew way back in the day when he was supporting Bindi on [her] season,” Witney added. “So it really just felt like, honestly I keep saying ‘family,’ but it really felt like a family last season. Everyone was just extremely close. And I think it’s just because of the celebrities that were there. They were so amazing.”
This year, Witney Carson is partnering with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” star Guillermo Rodriguez. She and her husband, Carson McAllister, are currently expecting their third child together. Dancing while pregnant may present some challenges, but she has a plan to compete safely.
“Honestly, this is my livelihood,” Witney told ExtraTV. “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.”
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” season 5 airs on Hulu on Thursday, September 10.
“Dancing With the Stars” season 35 kicks off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 on ABC.
