The wait is finally over. “Dancing with the Stars” has officially revealed its complete celebrity lineup for Season 35, bringing together an eclectic group of actors, athletes, musicians, reality stars, chefs and social-media personalities.
The cast was unveiled on “Good Morning America” on September 2, completing a lineup that had been gradually building anticipation for months. Four celebrities had previously been announced, including Guillermo Rodriguez, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller and Jackson Olson.
Among the biggest names joining the ballroom is actress Julia Stiles, known for movies including “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Save the Last Dance” and the “Bourne” franchise. She will compete with professional dancer Ezra Sosa.
Jenna Dewan is also entering the competition, bringing an extensive dance background to the ballroom. The “Step Up” star and former backup dancer will be paired with longtime professional Val Chmerkovskiy.
The new cast also includes “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Tatyana Ali, who will dance with Jan Ravnik, and Hanson musician Taylor Hanson, who will compete alongside Britt Stewart.
Sports fans have plenty to look forward to as well. Olympic gold medalists Amber Glenn and Paralympic champion Ezra Frech are joining the competition, with Glenn paired with Pasha Pashkov and Frech partnered with Daniella Karagach.
Reality television is represented by Maura Higgins of “Love Island” and “The Traitors,” Ciara Miller of “Summer House,” and Sarah Jane Nader, who stars in “Love Thy Nader.” Nader will make history with professional dancer Hailey Bills as part of the show’s second all-female celebrity-pro pairing.
The ballroom will also welcome celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, actor Harry Shum Jr., “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” personality Conner Leavitt and social-media star Connor Wood, better known online as Fibula. Each brings a very different background to the competition.
The returning lineup behind the scenes is just as notable. Professional dancers including Daniella Karagach, Mark Ballas, Val Chmerkovskiy and Witney Carson are returning, while newcomers include Hailey Bills, Adele Zaikman and Jan Ravnik. The judging panel will again feature Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, with Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returning as hosts.
Season 35 will begin with a special two-night premiere on September 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day. The new season promises an unusual mix of personalities and backgrounds, setting the stage for another battle for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
With the entire cast now officially revealed, the speculation can finally begin over who will emerge as the early favorite. Some contestants arrive with professional performance experience, while others are stepping onto a ballroom floor for the first time. Either way, Season 35 is shaping up to be one of the most varied “Dancing with the Stars” casts yet.
Compiled from various sources.
