Image Source: USA Today
Good Morning America delivered a major update for fans of “Dancing with the Stars,” confirming the hosts and judges for the show’s highly anticipated 35th season. The announcement arrived Sept. 1 during a segment on ABC’s morning program, just one day before the full celebrity cast and professional pairings are scheduled to be revealed.
Good Morning America Reveals the DWTS Season 35 Lineup
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as hosts when the ballroom competition comes back this fall. The familiar hosting team has been guiding the series since Season 32, bringing a mix of live-show experience, humor and behind-the-scenes knowledge to the program.
The judging panel will also remain unchanged. Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are slated to resume their seats at the judges’ table. Their return preserves one of the show’s most recognizable combinations, with each judge offering a distinct perspective on technique, performance and entertainment value.
During the Good Morning America segment, Derek Hough teased an energized season with plenty of momentum. “You can expect what you know and love about ‘Dancing with the Stars’ but also an energized show,” he said. “We have so much momentum. The cast is incredible. It’s gonna be an incredible season. I truly cannot wait.”
Powerful Return for the Hosts and Judges
Ribeiro has become a central part of the show’s modern era. Before taking on hosting duties, he won the Mirrorball Trophy with Witney Carson in Season 19. Hough has hosted alongside him since 2023.
Hough brings a particularly deep connection to the competition. She competed as a professional dancer during the show’s early years and won consecutive championships in Seasons 4 and 5. After stepping away from the dance floor, she later served as a judge during Seasons 19 through 24, except for Season 22, before moving into her current hosting role.
Her brother, Derek Hough, competed as a professional for nearly a decade and won the Mirrorball Trophy six times. He transitioned to the judging panel in 2020, joining Inaba and Tonioli, both of whom have been judges since the series debuted.
Early DWTS Season 35 Contestants and Pairings
Although the complete cast has not yet been announced, four celebrities have already been identified as competitors:
- Ciara Miller, known from “Summer House”
- Maura Higgins, a “Love Island” favorite
- Jackson Olson, a Savannah Bananas player
- Guillermo Rodriguez, a familiar face from “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
One professional pairing has also been confirmed. Guillermo Rodriguez will compete with Witney Carson, the reigning champion after winning Season 34 with Robert Irwin.
The pairing has an unusual extra layer of attention because Carson recently revealed that she is pregnant with her third child. Her involvement in the upcoming season has already sparked interest among viewers, particularly as fans await more information about how the show will handle the competition and production schedule.
Professional dancer Sharna Burgess is also returning after a five-year break from the series. Burgess previously won her first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 with Bobby Bones. Her comeback adds another notable storyline to a season already featuring returning personalities and new celebrity competitors.
When Does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere?
“Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 will premiere with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16. The first episode is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+. New episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
The upcoming cast announcement is expected to provide the remaining celebrity names, professional partners and additional details about the season. With Ribeiro and Hough back at the helm, the established judging panel returning and Burgess rejoining the professional lineup, Season 35 is positioned as a blend of familiar faces and fresh competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the hosts for Dancing with the Stars Season 35?
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as the hosts for Season 35.
Who are the judges for DWTS Season 35?
Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are scheduled to return as judges.
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a second episode scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16. The show begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Which celebrities have been announced?
Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez have been announced as competitors.
Who is Guillermo Rodriguez’s professional partner?
Guillermo Rodriguez will compete with Witney Carson, the reigning champion professional dancer.
