The highly anticipated Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is set to captivate audiences with a diverse and talented lineup of celebrities. From Olympic athletes to reality TV stars, this season promises a thrilling blend of skill, charisma, and entertainment. The competition kicks off with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026, on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu.
The show’s judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, return to critique the performances, while hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough welcome the new cast. This season introduces a unique twist: two contestants will be eliminated during the premiere week, adding an extra layer of excitement.
The Olympians: Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech
Amber Glenn a three-time U.S. women’s champion and gold medalist from the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, is one of the standout athletes competing this season. Partnered with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, Glenn brings her figure skating grace and precision to the ballroom. She has expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge, noting that dancing is a new and exciting venture for her.
Glenn’s skating background gives her an edge in certain dances, like the waltz and foxtrot, which share similarities with her sport. However, she is eager to embrace the Latin dances, which offer a fresh challenge. Her partner, Pashkov, has been supportive and encouraging, helping her adapt to the new style of performance.
Ezra Frech a two-time Paralympian, is another athlete making his mark on the show. Known for his achievements in track and field, Frech is new to the world of dance but brings a determined spirit and athletic prowess to the competition. Partnered with Daniella Karagach, Frech is ready to take on the challenges of ballroom dancing.
The Reality TV Stars: Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins
Ciara Miller known for her appearances on Summer HouseThe Traitors and Love Island USA: Aftersun is eager to take on the dance floor. Miller has a background in ballet, having trained for 10 years, which gives her a solid foundation for the competition. Partnered with Brandon Armstrong, she is looking forward to the rigorous training and the opportunity to showcase her skills.
Maura Higgins a fan favorite from Love Island UK and The Traitors is also ready to take on the challenge. Higgins has admitted that dancing will be a significant challenge, but she is excited to embrace the glamour and hard work required. Partnered with Mark Ballas, she is determined to give it her all.
The Actors and Entertainers: Jenna Dewan and Julia Stiles
Jenna Dewan known for her roles in Step UpWitches of East End and The Rookie is stepping back into her dancing shoes. Dewan began her career as a professional backup dancer and has always had a passion for dance. Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, she is thrilled to return to the dance floor and compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Julia Stiles famous for her roles in iconic films like Save the Last Dance brings her acting prowess and natural talent to the competition. Stiles has a background in dance and is eager to recreate some of her famous moves from the silver screen. Partnered with Ezra Sosa, she is ready to take on the challenges of ballroom dancing.
The diverse lineup of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 promises an exciting and entertaining competition. From Olympians to reality TV stars and actors, each contestant brings a unique blend of talent and charisma to the dance floor. As the season unfolds, viewers can look forward to thrilling performances, unexpected eliminations, and unforgettable moments.
