Dancing with the Stars fans are eagerly anticipating Season 35. Last season featured renewed energy and was a huge success. In Season 34, conservationist Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson, took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
It was a season filled with nostalgic returns, stunning routines, and incredible themes, such as Wicked Night and TikTok Night. Season 34 felt fresh and innovative, while also holding onto the original feel of DWTS. Chef’s kiss.
So, what can fans expect from Season 35 of DWTS? I have zero doubts that the upcoming installment will be thrilling, filled with a diverse cast and exciting new challenges. So far, four contestants have been announced for DWTS Season 35. While fans await the full cast reveal in early September, speculation about who will join the series has kicked into overdrive.
Who is rumored to join the Dancing with the Stars cast for Season 35?
Recently, Guillermo Rodriguez, the hilarious sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was confirmed for DWTS. And Jimmy Kimmel made the special announcement on his show. Afterward, Guillermo delighted viewers with a preview of his dance moves.
Also confirmed for the cast are Summer House star Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins of The Traitors. Ciara has prior dance experience, and she was campaigning to snag Val Chmerkovskiy as her pro partner. Alas, the contestants don’t choose their pros. Meanwhile, Maura has ties to the dance series, as she competed on The Traitors Season 4 with DWTS pro Mark Ballas.
There are quite a few slots left to fill in the series’ dance card, so let’s check out the DWTS Season 35 casting rumors. Who might be slipping on their dance shoes and hitting the ballroom?
Henry Winkler
While actor William Shatner has never competed on DWTS, he nominated his friend and fellow actor, Henry Winkler, for the honor. It seems that Henry posted a video of himself dancing in his role as the Fonz on the sitcom Happy Days. And the clip caught William’s attention.
So, William posted via X, formerly Twitter, “Henry! Speaking of Superman; I saw your repost of the Fonzie dance. I’m sure you can still do that.” He added, “You want me to see if they have an opening on Dancing With The Stars next season?”
Well, Henry shot down Captain Kirk’s idea in a hurry. “Love to you but NO dancing thank you,” Henry responded. I guess that Henry decided to keep his public dancing days in the past. I must admit that I hoped to see Fonzie, in his leather jacket, doing a jive next season.
Ann-Margaret
Iconic dancer and actress Ann-Margaret should have already been in the ballroom. However, it seemed that the timing just never worked out. Although she had been asked repeatedly to slip on her dance shoes, this dynamic performer always declined.
As a fan of DWTS, Ann-Margaret related to the feelings of the dancers, both pros and contestants. “I know all of the nerves that go through everybody when, all of a sudden, well, it’s your time to perform and [you think], ‘help!’” she told Parade. “I go through the same emotions that they go through.”
So, will we ever see the 85-year-old foxtrot in the ballroom? “Oh, I have no idea,” she remarked. “I really am enjoying my time off.” In addition, the star of such musicals as legendary Viva Las Vegas and Bye Bye Birdie is recovering from a broken elbow. That may not bode well for an appearance in DWTS Season 35.
Nic Vansteenberghe
During Season 7, Love Island USA star Nic Vansteenberghe came in second place with Olandria Carthen. The couple became fan favorites after eventually discovering that they had chemistry. Their slow-burn relationship had viewers at home rooting for them.
Well, Nic had also been hoping for a spot on another reality show. He shared that he was “manifesting” a spot in the DWTS Season 35 cast. He even announced that he was “going to start training soon.” Now that is dedication.
“The progression would be insane,” Nic quipped. “I would win most improved.” Of course, Nic has plenty of fans from his time on Love Island, and that could translate to lots of votes. Perhaps Nic’s wish will come true, and we will see him bust a move in the ballroom this fall.
Flavor Flav
Last season, rapper and reality personality Flavor Flav was a guest judge on DWTS for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. He was clearly a fan of the show, even if his scoring was a bit chaotic.
According to Flavor Flav, he was asked to return to DWTS and compete. “They want me to,” the rapper told PEOPLE. “They want me to come back and dance. I don’t know. I might do it if I think I could do it.” However, when asked if he felt he was up for the challenge, he responded, “No. No, I don’t.”
Meanwhile, he teased another upcoming reality project. “I am getting ready to do another reality TV show, but it’s going to be bigger than Flavor of Love,” he stated. I guess Flavor Flav won’t be competing in Season 35, unless he changes his mind.
Rob Rausch
Rob Rausch, who starred on Love Island USA and won Season 4 of The Traitors, was rumored to be in the mix for the upcoming DWTS season. Rob, who was the second Traitor to ever win the game, competed with Maura Higgins before brutally stabbing her in the back. Still, he promised to buy her a Birkin, and he followed through.
Reportedly, DWTS has already given Rob an offer. “Absolutely, DWTS wants Rob. He’s the main target from this Traitors season that [the] show wants to get,” a production source told The U.S. Sun. “Nothing is finalized, but he’s been given the offer, and there’s a spot on the cast that is his if he wants it.”
The insider added that Rob would “be a huge heartthrob of the season.” Many Traitors fans are hoping to see the snake wrangler and his signature overalls in the ballroom. Having Maura and Rob competing against each other again would be epic!
Rosie O’Donnell
Actress and former co-host of The View, comedian Rosie O’Donnell, has been living the quiet life in Ireland. When whispers started that Rosie was joining the DWTS cast, she shut them down quickly. She shared an Instagram post with an AI-generated image of herself, wearing a green metallic dress and serving an 80’s glam look.
“Breaking News. Rosie O’Donnell, 63, makes Dancing with the Stars Debut,” text across the photo read. “This made me laugh – reminds me to never get a perm!!! Completely untrue but funny,” she captioned the post.
Recently, comedians like Season 34 contestant Andy Richter have been fan favorites, showcasing their ability to entertain the audience. I feel like Rosie would fall into that vein and could have had a blast in the ballroom.
Until the final cast announcement, DWTS fans can continue to speculate, cross their fingers, and hope that their favorite celebrities decide to show off their moves in the ballroom.
Dancing with the Stars is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
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