“Dancing With the Stars” is kicking off Season 35 with its first celebrity-pro pairing, but Witney Carson had more than one big announcement to share. During her appearance on “Good Morning America,” Carson revealed her celebrity partner for the upcoming season and announced she is expecting her third child with her husband, Carson McAllister. The couple already has two sons, Leo, 5, and Jet, 3.
Witney Carson Is Paired With Guillermo Rodriguez for Season 35
Witney Carson, the reigning “DWTS” champion who took home the Mirrorball Trophy last season alongside Robert Irwin, has been paired with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez for Season 35.
The reveal came Monday, August 17, on “Good Morning America,” marking the first confirmed celebrity-pro partnership of the new season.
DisneyRodriguez, known for his decades-long role as Jimmy Kimmel’s comedic partner, is one of the earliest confirmed contestants for the upcoming season and is now the first to learn who he’ll be hitting the ballroom floor with.
Carson said she was thrilled to learn who she would be paired with this season.
“Dude, I was so stoked,” she said on GMA. “I think he is so sweet. He’s so fun. That’s exactly what I need in this season of life that I’m in, just someone who’s fun, personable.”
Who Else Has Joined the “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35 Cast?
Rodriguez joins a growing Season 35 roster that includes “Summer House” star Ciara Miller, “Love Island” alum Maura Higgins, and Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson. “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors” alum Kamri Peterson was also confirmed earlier this month to join the show’s troupe, the group of background dancers who perform in ensemble numbers throughout the season but aren’t paired with celebrity contestants.
The full Season 35 cast, including the remaining celebrities and their professional partners, will be revealed on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Witney Carson’s Big Week Includes “The Next Pro” and a New Partner
Carson’s Monday appearance also ties into her role on “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” the companion series searching for the franchise’s newest professional dancer.
Carson is serving as a guest judge and mentor on the show, which is down to its final five contestants: Allen Genkin, Nina Mayster, Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton.
The remaining dancers will spend the coming week paired with social media influencers with no ballroom experience, testing their ability to teach amateur dancers under pressure.
When Does “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35 Premiere
Season 35 returns Tuesday, Sept. 15, on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu. With Carson and Rodriguez now locked in as the season’s first official pairing, fans have their first real hint of what to expect when the ballroom lights come back up next month.
