August 29, 2025 – Dancing With the Stars is weeks away from its official Season 34 cast reveal, but fans are already buzzing with speculation after leaked rehearsal photos appeared to confirm more celebrity contestants. And with whispers of early backstage drama, this season is shaping up to be one of the most explosive yet.
Official Cast So Far
ABC has confirmed that wildlife conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin, social media star Alix Earle, and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt will be competing on the dance floor. The full line-up, however, won’t be officially revealed until Good Morning America on September 3—leaving plenty of room for fans to speculate.
Leaked Photos Spark Wild Guesses
One photo making the rounds online shows a man in a blue visor, which fans are convinced is Dylan Efron. If true, this would mark a massive year for him, fresh off his victory on The Traitors Season 3.
Another leaked snap shows a man in a transparent visor, fueling speculation that it’s Scott Hoying, the Grammy-winning member of Pentatonix. Reports from Just Jared claim he was even spotted at the DWTS studio, attempting to dodge photographers.
Adding to the hype, High School Musical fans were thrilled when actor Bart Johnson (Coach Bolton, Zac Efron’s on-screen dad) hinted at his possible involvement by commenting that he was “excited” on one of DWTS’s social media posts.
More Rumored Names
According to PEOPLE, Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, will also be stepping into the ballroom this September.
Meanwhile, Bachelor Nation could be well-represented:
- Grant Ellis has admitted he’d love to do the show, saying, “I wouldn’t say no if asked.”
- Leslie Fhima, known from The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, has a strong dance background as a choreographer and instructor.
- Faith Martin, another Golden Bachelor alum, is also rumored. She previously proved her skills by winning Dancing with the Tri-City Stars in 2015.
Not all rumors hold true, however. Despite online chatter, an insider confirmed to Parade that Taylor Lautner will not be joining Season 34: “There is no truth whatsoever to those claims.”
What Fans Can Expect
From leaked studio run-ins to whispered rivalries, fans believe the drama has already begun behind the scenes. With a mix of fresh faces, reality stars, and seasoned performers rumored to be lacing up their dancing shoes, DWTS Season 34 is shaping up to be as much about backstage fireworks as it is about the ballroom glitter.
The full cast reveal airs on Good Morning America, September 3. Until then, fans will keep sleuthing—because on Dancing With the Stars, the real show often begins long before the first dance.
