Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Cast: Full Celebrity Lineup & Pro Partnerships

Dancing with the Stars 2026: Meet the Full Season 35 Cast and Pro Pairings

The wait is officially over for ballroom enthusiasts! ABC has formally unveiled the celebrity contenders stepping onto the dance floor for Dancing with the Stars Season 35. This year’s lineup offers an eccentric mix of pop culture royalty, Olympic champions, viral content creators, and reality television staples—all vying to take home the prestigious Mirrorball Trophy.

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Whether you are eager to see nostalgic screen legends try their hand at the Argentine Tango or curious about how high-flying athletes translate their skills to the ballroom, Season 35 promises non-stop excitement.

Everything You Need to Know About DWTS Season 35

Before diving into the star-studded roster, here is a quick run-down of what to expect when the lights turn on:

• Premiere Dates: The season kicks off with a special two-night premiere on ABC starting September 15 and September 16.
• The Hosts: Fan-favorite co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and former pro Julianne Hough return to lead the ballroom festivities.
• The Judging Panel: Bringing their expert commentary back to the desk are veteran judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

Spotlight on Season 35 Standouts

Nostalgic Favorites and Screen Stars

Nostalgia runs deep in Season 35. Nineties screen icon Julia Stiles, beloved for her roles in hits like 10 Things I Hate About You and the classic dance film Save the Last Dance, takes the floor alongside pro Ezra Sosa. Joining her is Tatyana Ali, famously known for portraying Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, who partners with Jan Ravik.

Adding serious dance credentials to the roster are Jenna Dewan (Step Up, The Rookie) and Harry Shum Jr. (Glee, Grey's Anatomy). Both actors possess extensive dance backgrounds, making them immediate frontrunners to watch.

Elite Athletes Bringing Championship Energy

The athleticism on display this season is formidable. Fresh off her gold medal victory at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn trades her ice skates for ballroom shoes alongside Pasha Pashkov.

Joining the athletic ranks is two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech, paired with master technician Daniella Karagach, as well as second baseman Jackson Olson, known for his show-stopping plays with the world-famous Savannah Bananas.

Pop Culture & Reality TV Icons

Reality television is heavily represented this year. The Bachelorette alumnus Tyler Cameron returns to prime-time alongside Sharna Burgess, while popular culinary icon Giada De Laurentiis swaps the kitchen for the cha-cha with Alan Bersten.

Making show history, reality star Sarah Jane Nader partners with Hailey Bills to form the third same-sex pairing in Dancing with the Stars history. Late-night television enthusiasts will also recognize beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! icon Guillermo Rodriguez, bringing his trademark humor to the floor with Witney Carson.

Key Takeaways

1. Massive Roster: Season 35 features 16 diverse celebrity contestants spanning acting, athletics, food, comedy, and reality TV.
2. Historic Moments: Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills represent the series' third same-sex dance team.
3. Experienced Dancers: Contenders with formal dance backgrounds, including Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., set a high bar for competition.
4. Tune-In Dates: Catch the two-night season launch starting September 15 on ABC.

Conclusion

With a balanced mix of seasoned performers, world-class athletes, and viral personalities, Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and entertaining runs in recent memory. Mark your calendars for mid-September to see who commands the dance floor and who stumbles out of the gate in pursuit of ballroom glory.