Jenna Dewan and Tyler Cameron confirmed as contestants, with Witney Carson competing during pregnancy
Category: Arts & Culture
The excitement is building for the upcoming season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, which is set to kick off with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026. As of August 19, the cast is already in rehearsals, though ABC has yet to confirm the complete lineup of professional dancers and celebrities.
Four contestants have been officially announced so far: Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez. The full cast will be revealed on Good Morning America on September 2, 2026. The anticipation surrounding this season is heightened by the rumors swirling about potential contestants, including notable names like Jenna Dewan and Tyler Cameron, both of whom have been confirmed to join the competition.
Witney Carson, a seasoned competitor on the show, revealed her pregnancy on Good Morning America on August 17, stating that she is excited yet daunted by the prospect of competing four months pregnant. "I don't know if it's ever been done," Carson remarked, acknowledging the unique challenge she faces this season. "I want to feel empowered. I want to see what my body can do. And hopefully, Guillermo could be right there beside me and we can work as a team," she added, referring to her partner, Guillermo Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who is best known as a sidekick to Jimmy Kimmel, expressed his enthusiasm about their partnership. "I think he is so sweet. He’s so fun," Carson said, emphasizing the positive dynamic they share. This season marks Carson's 16th outing on the show, and she has previously won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy twice. She is also a mother of two boys, Leo, 5, and Jet, 3, with her husband Carson McAllister.
Maura Higgins, known for her appearances on Love Island and Traitors, confirmed her participation in rehearsals as of August 19. During an interview at the 2026 Televerse Festival, she expressed excitement and fear about the competition, saying, "I swear on my life, I have no clue who my partner is!" Higgins hopes to be paired with either Mark Ballas or Val Chmerkovskiy, both well-respected professionals in the ballroom world. She humorously noted her lack of confidence in her dancing abilities, stating, "I can't dance, so I feel like I'm not going to be much competition. But I'm going to try my best!"
In addition to the confirmed contestants, several rumored participants have generated buzz among fans. Giada De Laurentiis has been a popular name circulating on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok, though her participation has not been officially confirmed. Harry Shum Jr., known for his roles in Glee and Grey’s Anatomy, is also rumored to be joining, with an insider claiming that his casting is nearly certain.
Jenna Dewan, who has expressed her love for dancing, stated during a March 2026 appearance on Good Morning America, "I never say never because I love dancing so much and I miss it so much." Her confirmed participation adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Taylor Hanson, of the band Hanson, has also been noted as a potential contestant, particularly since fans observed a break in his tour dates coinciding with the filming schedule for Dancing with the Stars.
The competition has a history of featuring a mix of celebrities from various backgrounds, including athletes, actors, and social media personalities. This format has proven successful in attracting a diverse audience, and season 35 appears to be no exception. With contestants like Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech and Jutta Leerdam, a Dutch speed skater and fiancée of Jake Paul, the show continues its tradition of including notable athletes.
Tyler Cameron, a fan favorite from The Bachelorette, is another rumored contestant whose participation would align with the show's strategy of incorporating members from reality television. His casting follows that of former contestant Matt James, who competed five years ago. The producers have a knack for selecting contestants who have a following and bring unique stories and experiences to the dance floor.
This season's emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment is highlighted by Witney Carson's situation. Her decision to compete during pregnancy reflects a broader cultural shift toward celebrating women's achievements and capabilities, even in challenging circumstances. Carson's determination to navigate motherhood and competition simultaneously resonates with many viewers, making her one of the standout stories of the upcoming season.
As the premiere date approaches, the excitement surrounding the full cast reveal on September 2 is mounting. Fans are eager to learn which other celebrities will be joining the competition and how the dynamics between the contestants will play out. With the show's history of unexpected pairings and surprising eliminations, each season brings its own unique flavor.
The two-night premiere on September 15 and 16 will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. Viewers can expect a mix of glitz, glamour, and fierce competition as celebrities take to the dance floor in hopes of securing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
As the cast prepares for the upcoming season, the combination of confirmed contestants, exciting rumors, and the personal journeys of participants like Witney Carson and Maura Higgins promise to create a captivating season of Dancing with the Stars.