The Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast has officially been revealed, and Season 35 promises one of the most diverse and exciting lineups in the show’s history. The new batch of contestants was announced on Good Morning America on September 2, 2026, and includes actors, Olympians, reality TV stars, a celebrity chef, and a musician from one of the most iconic bands of the 1990s. With 16 celebrities now confirmed to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, fans are already buzzing about which pairing will take the crown.
The DWTS 2026 cast also features some notable firsts and returns. Sharna Burgess is back in the ballroom after a five-year hiatus, professional dancer Witney Carson is returning while pregnant, and the show has confirmed another same-sex pairing, marking a significant step for representation on the series. As the premiere dates approach, here is everything you need to know about the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 cast.
Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast: Full List
The complete DWTS 2026 cast and partners list includes a mix of familiar faces from scripted television, unscripted reality, and the world of sports. The celebrity contestants and their professional partners are as follows:
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik
- Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
- Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov
- Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
- Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills
- Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
- Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
Who Are the Dancing with the Stars 2026 Contestants?
The Dancing with the Stars 2026 contestants come from various backgrounds, bringing their unique fan bases to the show. Here is a closer look at who these celebrities are and why they are famous.
Jenna Dewan
Jenna Dewan is an actress and dancer known for her roles in Step Up, Supergirl, and The Rookie. She began her career as a professional dancer, performing backup for artists like Missy Elliott and Janet Jackson. She also served as a host and judge on dance competition shows, giving her an edge going into the ballroom.
Julia Stiles
Julia Stiles is a critically acclaimed actress best known for her leading roles in films like 10 Things I Hate About You and the Bourne franchise. She most recently starred in the series The Lake and brings a dedicated film and television fanbase to Season 35.
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr. is an actor, dancer, and singer. He is widely known for playing Mike Chang on the hit series Glee and for his role as Magnus Bane in Shadowhunters. He also appeared in Crazy Rich Asians and Grey’s Anatomy.
Tyler Cameron
Tyler Cameron is a model and television personality who rose to fame as the runner-up on Hannah Brown’s season of The Bachelorette. He has since appeared on several reality shows and is one of the most followed contestants from the Bachelor Nation franchise.
Tatyana Ali
Tatyana Ali is an actress and singer who became a household name as Ashley Banks on the iconic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A graduate of Harvard University, she has also appeared on Abbott Elementary and has a background in Broadway.
Giada De Laurentiis
Giada De Laurentiis is an Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef, author, and restaurateur. She is one of the most recognizable faces on the Food Network and a New York Times bestselling author. She is the granddaughter of legendary film producer Dino De Laurentiis.
Taylor Hanson
Taylor Hanson is a musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the middle brother of the pop-rock band Hanson. The band achieved worldwide fame in 1997 with the hit song “MMMBop.” He also performs with the supergroup Tinted Windows.
Connor Wood
Connor Wood is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He is a co-host of the popular podcast The Bro Report and has gained a massive following on social media for his comedic sketches and commentary.
Ezra Frech
Ezra Frech is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in track and field. He competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, winning gold in the 100-meter and high jump. He is also a motivational speaker and advocate for disability rights.
Amber Glenn
Amber Glenn is an Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. national champion in figure skating. She helped Team USA win gold in the figure skating team event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. She is the first openly LGBTQ+ U.S. women’s figure skating champion.
Conner Leavitt
Conner Leavitt is a performer, producer, and reality TV personality. He is best known from Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, following his wife Whitney Leavitt, who competed on Season 34.
Sarah Jane Nader
Sarah Jane Nader is a reality star known for the series Love Thy Nader. She follows in the footsteps of her sister, Brooks Nader, who competed on Season 33.
Ciara Miller
Ciara Miller is a model and television personality best known from Bravo’s Summer House. She also appeared on Season 3 of The Traitors.
Maura Higgins
Maura Higgins is an Irish television personality and host who gained fame on Love Island UK. She was the runner-up on Season 4 of The Traitors and has hosted several shows in the Love Island franchise.
Guillermo Rodriguez
Guillermo Rodriguez is the beloved security guard and sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He is a fan favorite who has been a staple of late-night television for over two decades.
Jackson Olson
Jackson Olson is a professional baseball player for the Savannah Bananas, the famous barnstorming baseball team known for its entertainment-focused style of play.
Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast and Partners
The Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast and partners form 16 couples set to compete. The show features a mix of veteran professional dancers and newcomers who earned their spots on the show through the spinoff series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.
| Celebrity Contestant | Professional Partner | Notable Background |
|---|---|---|
| Jenna Dewan | Val Chmerkovskiy | Actress (The Rookie), former professional dancer |
| Julia Stiles | Ezra Sosa | Actress (10 Things I Hate About You, Bourne films) |
| Harry Shum Jr. | Jenna Johnson | Actor (Glee, Crazy Rich Asians) |
| Tyler Cameron | Sharna Burgess | The Bachelorette runner-up |
| Tatyana Ali | Jan Ravnik | Actress (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) |
| Giada De Laurentiis | Alan Bersten | Celebrity chef, Emmy Award winner |
| Taylor Hanson | Britt Stewart | Musician (Hanson) |
| Connor Wood | Rylee Arnold | Comedian, podcast host |
| Ezra Frech | Daniella Karagach | Two-time Paralympic gold medalist |
| Amber Glenn | Pasha Pashkov | Olympic gold medalist figure skater |
| Conner Leavitt | Adele Zaikman | Reality star (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), winner of DWTS: The Next Pro |
| Sarah Jane Nader | Hailey Bills | Reality star (Love Thy Nader), same-sex pairing |
| Ciara Miller | Brandon Armstrong | Reality star (Summer House) |
| Maura Higgins | Mark Ballas | Reality star (Love Island, The Traitors) |
| Guillermo Rodriguez | Witney Carson | Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick |
| Jackson Olson | Emma Slater | Baseball player (Savannah Bananas) |
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere
The Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere is set to be a two-night event. The season will kick off on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and continue with a special second episode on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Both episodes will air at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes will also be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
The show’s hosting duo, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, will return to guide the contestants through the competition. The judging panel will remain unchanged, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returning to offer their critiques and scores.
What to Expect From DWTS Season 35
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is shaping up to be a competitive season, with several contestants possessing extensive performance and dance backgrounds. Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., both professional dancers early in their careers, are likely to be strong contenders. The inclusion of Olympic and Paralympic athletes like Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech also adds a layer of athleticism that often translates well to the ballroom.
The return of veteran pros like Sharna Burgess and the promotion of newcomers like Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman add fresh dynamics to the professional roster. Notably, the pairing of Sarah Jane Nader with Hailey Bills marks the show’s third-ever same-sex pairing and only the second all-female duo, a milestone for representation on the series. With the premiere dates set, fans can look forward to another season of dazzling performances and competitive spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in the Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast?
The Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast includes celebrities like Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, Tyler Cameron, and Olympians Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech.
Who are the DWTS 2026 professional dancers?
The professional dancers for DWTS 2026 include Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sharna Burgess, Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and Mark Ballas, among others. New pros this season are Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills.
What season is Dancing with the Stars in 2026?
In 2026, the show is airing Season 35.
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premieres on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with a second episode on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Who are the Dancing with the Stars 2026 contestants?
The Dancing with the Stars 2026 contestants are Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Tyler Cameron, Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, Connor Wood, Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Conner Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader, Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Guillermo Rodriguez, and Jackson Olson.