Jen Affleck first caught fans’ attention on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Viewers got to know her family life on screen, and she grew her following even more through her popular MomTok videos.
Life has only gotten busier since then. Jen and her husband, Zac Affleck, recently welcomed their third child, a daughter named Penelope. Between the late-night feedings and juggling three kids, she is deep in the thick of postpartum life.
Now she is stepping into a whole new challenge with season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. For Jen, the ballroom is more than a TV competition. It has quickly become the outlet that’s keeping her grounded and has given her something of her own during this stage of motherhood.
Jen Affleck is chasing her dreams on DWTS
Jen says her new DWTS gig hasn’t been simple. “I’m still in the thick of postpartum, staying up late, doing feedings and whatnot, so that’s challenging. But honestly, if anything, it’s been helping me,” she told PEOPLE.
Jen said the show is doing more than keeping her busy. “I think if I didn’t have Dancing with the Stars, I’d probably be dealing with baby blues and potentially postpartum depression … So honestly, I’m just grateful I have Dancing with the Stars.”
She’s always turned to dance as a way to cope. “The way that I’ve coped through all of my babies has been through dancing, so the fact that I’m now dancing on a real stage in front of millions of people makes this experience even more exciting.”
But, rehearsals have taken a toll, though. “I have blisters on my feet and bruises all over my body. I’m so sore. But at the same time, it’s worth it because I’m having so much fun.”
Her partner this season is Jan Ravnik, fresh off Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. “I have the best partner and I couldn’t be happier,” Jen said. “It’s fun working with someone who has a lot of energy and is super positive. It’s making this experience even better.”
Her family is backing her all the way. “I think my family, my husband and my kids are just happy to see me happy,” she shared.
And, there’s a very familiar face competing. Her SLOMW castmate, Whitney Leavitt, is competing too. “It’s been fun to have someone to lean on and someone who just gets it,” Jen explained.
Jen said fans will see a new side of her this season. “They’ll learn that I’m a lot happier than what they’ve seen on Secret Lives, and they’ll get to see the realest, most authentic version of myself. They’ll see me doing what I love to do, which is dance, and they’ll see me not being involved in drama. I’m definitely excited for people to see all of that.”
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premieres Tuesday, September 16, on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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