Looks like Dancing With the Stars is not just coming back, it’s coming back with a very clear vibe this time. Season 35 has officially been announced, and from the first two names alone, you can tell the show is leaning into personalities who’ve already been through some messy reality TV moments. It’s not subtle either — the casting feels intentional, almost like the show wants to bring unfinished stories onto the dance floor.
The two contestants revealed so far are Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller. Both come with their own baggage from past shows, and honestly, that might be exactly what the producers are aiming for this season. Because let’s be real, Dancing With the Stars has always thrived when there’s a bit of emotional backstory behind the performances.
Reality TV Drama Is Clearly Part Of The Plan
Maura Higgins is fresh off The Traitors, where she made it all the way to the finale but got blindsided in the end. The twist? It came from someone she trusted, which made her exit even more dramatic. Before that, she had already built a strong fanbase through Love Island, where her personality made her stand out instantly.
Ciara Miller’s story isn’t any less complicated. Known for her time on Summer House, she has been in the spotlight recently because of personal drama involving people close to her. That kind of attention, whether good or bad, tends to follow contestants into shows like this, and sometimes even shapes how audiences connect with them week after week.
Why This Casting Feels Different This Time
What’s interesting here is that both contestants come from situations where trust and relationships played a big role in their storylines. It’s not just about fame anymore, it’s about narrative. The show seems to be picking people who already have emotional arcs that viewers are invested in, and then placing them in a completely different setting.
And that matters because Dancing With the Stars isn’t only judged on technique. The emotional connection, the “journey,” and how the audience relates to a contestant often play a huge role in who stays and who goes. So bringing in people with strong backstories already gives them an edge in terms of viewer engagement.
The Show Is Riding A Strong Comeback Wave
Season 34 turned out to be a big success for the show, pulling in around 10 million viewers and generating massive audience interaction. The finale alone saw an impressive number of votes, which shows that the show still has serious pull even after so many seasons.
That momentum is clearly being carried into Season 35. With returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, along with judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, the core setup remains familiar. But the casting choices suggest the show is trying to keep things fresh where it matters most — the contestants.
More Names Still To Come — And That’s Where It Gets Interesting
Right now, only two contestants have been announced, which means there’s still a lot left to reveal. And if this first batch is anything to go by, the rest of the lineup could follow a similar pattern — people with strong public narratives, unresolved drama, or stories that audiences already feel invested in.
That strategy can go either way. It can make the season more engaging, or it can feel a bit too manufactured if not handled well. But one thing is clear — Season 35 isn’t trying to play it safe. And honestly, with reality TV audiences today, playing safe rarely works anyway.
