There were some surprises when the Season 34 cast of Dancing with the Stars was announced. One of the biggest was the return of DWTS pro Mark Ballas. After a five-year absence, Mark roared back for Season 31. He danced with Charli D’Amelio, and they won the Mirrorball.
Sadly, during the final stop on the DWTS tour in 2022, Mark announced his retirement. Of course, fans were thrilled when Mark came back as a guest judge during Season 33. He crushed it and gave amazing feedback. Recently, rumors started circulating that Mark was returning for Season 34 of DWTS.
Mark Ballas thought his Dancing with the Stars journey was over
Mark opened up about why he decided to come out of retirement. “You know, I thought I was done competing in 2022,” Mark told Entertainment Tonight. “I had some injury stuff that I had to kind of be diligent about.”
He continued, “But when I had my son, I was like, you know … no, I’m not going to submit to these ailments. So, I’ve been really working on those things. They’ve cleared up. I feel good,” Mark added.
Meanwhile, the three-time Mirrorball champ explained that his tango last season with bestie Derek Hough “was a great test run.” Mark stated, “I just am excited for my son to see me do this. So, yeah, I was like, ‘I got another one or two in the tank. Let’s give it a go.'” Mark and his wife, singer BC Jean, share one son, Banksi Wylde Ballas. Dancing for his son is the sweetest reason for a ballroom comeback.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt will dance with Mark for Season 34. Having Mark as her partner is a thrill for Whitney. “In my mind, I was like, play it cool, play it cool, play it cool. But internally, I was like freaking out,” she explained.
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 will premiere on Tuesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. It will stream on Hulu the next day.
TELL US – ARE YOU GLAD THAT MARK RETURNED FOR DWTS SEASON 34? WILL MARK AND WHITNEY WIN THE MIRRORBALL?
