| Quick Answer The official DWTS 2026 Cast for Season 35 features 16 celebrities, including Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Shum Jr., Taylor Hanson, Tyler Cameron, and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn. The cast and their professional partners were confirmed on Good Morning America on 2 September 2026. The series premieres 15 September on ABC and Disney+. |
Dancing with the Stars is back for Season 35, and it’s even more packed than ever. From the mix of actors, athletes, reality TV stars, and a member of a 90s boy band, this year the dance floor has a little bit of everything for everyone. Below you’ll find the full list of cast members, their partners, and hints as to what to expect from them when the show premieres in September.
When Does Dancing with the Stars 2026 Start?
Season 35 sees a two-night premiere on Tuesday, 15 September, and Wednesday, 16 September, at 8pm ET on ABC and Disney+, with the whole cast being confirmed the day before this article was written, after weeks of rumour and several early reveals.
Full DWTS 2026 Cast List & Partners
Here’s every celebrity confirmed for Season 35, along with their professional dance partner.
- Tatyana Ali (actress, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) — partnered with Jan Ravnik
- Tyler Cameron (TV personality, The Bachelorette) — partnered with Sharna Burgess
- Connor Wood (comedian and podcaster, known online as Fibula) — partnered with Rylee Arnold
- Julia Stiles (actress, 10 Things I Hate About You) — partnered with Ezra Sosa
- Jenna Dewan (actress, Step Up, The Rookie) — partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy
- Giada De Laurentiis (celebrity chef, Food Network) — partnered with Alan Bersten
- Ezra Frech (Paralympic gold medallist) — partnered with Daniella Karagach
- Amber Glenn (figure skater, 2026 Winter Olympics gold medallist) — partnered with Pasha Pashkov
- Sarah Jane Nader (reality star, Love Thy Nader) — partnered with Hailey Bills
- Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick) — partnered with Witney Carson
- Harry Shum Jr. (actor, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy) — partnered with Jenna Johnson
- Maura Higgins (reality star, The Traitors, Love Island) — partnered with Mark Ballas
- Ciara Miller (reality star, Summer House) — partnered with Brandon Armstrong
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas baseball player) — partnered with Emma Slater
- Taylor Hanson (musician, Hanson) — partnered with Britt Stewart
- Conner Leavitt (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) — partnered with Adele Zaikman
That last pairing is worth a mention: Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills make up only the third same-sex couple in the show’s entire history, which is a genuinely big deal for a series that’s been running since 2005.
A Few Standout Names to Watch
Some contestants were given a head start advantage, and it showed in this season’s auditions. Jenna Dewan has a professional dancer background, and she’s likely to continue dazzling from week one. Harry Shum Jr. also has experience dancing on a tour with big music stars before being cast in Glee and Step Up. Meanwhile, on the athletic side, Amber Glenn’s Olympic-level balance and performance-ready body may give her a strong edge in the ballroom, but that’s quite a different physical activity than ice-skating.
On the other hand, don’t forget the reality television stars. Both Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller originate from successful reality shows and, therefore, already possess an extensive fan base. And the fame and popularity might be a significant advantage in the entertainment business, which Dancing with the Stars is ultimately a part of.
Who Are the Hosts and Judges This Season?
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as co-hosts for their fourth consecutive season. On the judging panel, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough are all back at the table, keeping the judging line-up consistent with last year.
How Does Dancing with the Stars Work?
For the uninitiated, the format of this show is simple: A celebrity is paired with a pro and they learn a brand new dance, all while a panel of judges score their efforts and a studio audience gets to see it all happen in real time. Viewers can then vote for their preferred celebrity and their chosen pro. The contestants with the lowest combined scores get kicked off the dance floor, and this keeps happening until there’s a sole victor who gets to snag the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premieres over two nights, Tuesday 15 September and Wednesday 16 September 2026, on ABC and Disney+.
How many celebrities are in the Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast?
There are 16 celebrities competing this season, each paired with a professional dancer.
Who won Dancing with the Stars last season?
Season 34 was won by wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, who beat influencer Alix Earle and gymnast Jordan Chiles in the final.
Is there a same-sex pairing in Season 35?
Yes. Sarah Jane Nader is partnered with Hailey Bills, marking the third same-sex celebrity-and-pro pairing in the show’s history.
Who are the judges on Dancing with the Stars 2026?
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough return as judges, with Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough hosting.
