Image Source: USA Today
DWTS Season 35 hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are officially returning to the ballroom, ABC confirmed Sept. 1. The announcement also revealed that Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli will resume their roles on the judging panel.
The returning lineup was announced during a segment on “Good Morning America,” just one day before the show is expected to reveal its full cast of celebrity contestants and professional dance partners. The news gives fans a familiar team to look forward to as the long-running competition enters its 35th season.
DWTS Season 35 Hosts Return for an Energized New Season
Ribeiro and Hough have hosted the series together since Season 32. Their partnership has become one of the show’s most recognizable features, combining Ribeiro’s upbeat presence with Hough’s experience as a performer, former professional dancer and past judge.
Ribeiro first competed on “Dancing with the Stars” as a celebrity contestant and won the Mirrorball Trophy with Witney Carson during Season 19. Hough, meanwhile, competed as a professional dancer during the show’s early years and won consecutive championships in Seasons 4 and 5.
After stepping away from professional competition, Hough later served as a judge on several seasons before becoming Ribeiro’s cohost in 2023. Her return keeps the hosting format intact for another year and gives viewers a familiar face with deep ties to the ballroom.
Powerful Judges Set to Score the Ballroom
Derek Hough will again join Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli at the judges’ table. The trio has become closely associated with the show’s signature blend of technical feedback, dramatic scores and lively on-air chemistry.
Derek Hough remains the most decorated professional dancer in the program’s history, having won the Mirrorball Trophy six times during nearly a decade of competition. He moved into the judging role in 2020, joining Inaba and Tonioli, both of whom have served as judges since the series debuted.
During the announcement, Derek Hough promised viewers a season that would preserve the elements they know and love while bringing renewed energy to the competition.
“You can expect what you know and love about ‘Dancing with the Stars’ but also an energized show,” Hough said during the “GMA” segment. “We have so much momentum. The cast is incredible. It’s gonna be an incredible season. I truly cannot wait.”
When Does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere?
“Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+. The season will begin with back-to-back episodes airing Sept. 15 and Wednesday, Sept. 16. New episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
The two-night launch gives the series an opportunity to introduce its celebrity contestants, showcase their first performances and establish the early frontrunners. Fans can also expect the judges to begin assigning scores that will shape the season’s leaderboard.
Celebrity Contestants and Professional Partners
Four celebrities have been announced so far: “Summer House” star Ciara Miller, “Love Island” favorite Maura Higgins, Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” personality Guillermo Rodriguez.
Rodriguez will compete with reigning champion Witney Carson. Carson won Season 34 with Robert Irwin and recently revealed that she is pregnant with her third child. Her partnership with Rodriguez has already attracted attention, although the pair’s full competitive journey will begin when the new season premieres.
Professional dancer Sharna Burgess is also returning after a five-year break from the show. Burgess previously won her first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 with radio and television personality Bobby Bones. Her comeback adds another high-profile storyline to an already closely watched season.
The remaining celebrity and professional pairings are expected to be announced Sept. 2. Until then, viewers have plenty to anticipate: new personalities, returning champions, dramatic routines and the latest race for the Mirrorball Trophy.
What Fans Should Expect From Season 35
- Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as hosts.
- Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli return as judges.
- The premiere begins with two episodes on Sept. 15 and 16.
- Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez are among the announced celebrities.
- Sharna Burgess returns as a professional dancer after a five-year absence.
With its established hosting team, celebrated judges and a mix of reality stars, athletes and entertainers, Season 35 is positioned to deliver another energetic chapter of the ABC competition. The first performances will reveal which celebrities can handle the pressure and which couples may emerge as early favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the DWTS Season 35 hosts?
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are returning as the hosts of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35.
Who are the judges for Dancing with the Stars Season 35?
Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are scheduled to return as judges.
When does DWTS Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premieres at 8 p.m. Eastern Tuesday, Sept. 15, on ABC and Disney+. A second episode will air Sept. 16.
Which celebrities have been announced?
The announced contestants include Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez.
Where can viewers stream the new season?
Episodes will air on ABC and Disney+ and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
