Show summary Hide summary
Season 34 champion Robert Irwin just got promoted to host. The 22-year-old wildlife conservationist will lead Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a brand new spinoff premiering July 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Find out why this move has DWTS fans excited.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Host: Robert Irwin, Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy winner
- Premiere Date: Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
- Streaming: Episodes available next day on Hulu
- Judges: Mark Ballas and his mother Shirley Ballas
From Winner to Host: Robert Irwin Expands DWTS Role
Robert Irwin took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after his incredible Season 34 performance with pro partner Witney Carson. Now the franchise is bringing him back in an entirely new capacity. His previous win qualified him perfectly to guide the next generation of professional dancers.
The 22-year-old Australian TV personality announced his hosting gig at Hulu’s Get Real House event on April 22. He brought his signature charm to the stage, saying “Crikey, this is going to be fun.” Fans already love seeing how he connects with the ballroom community.
Robert Irwin to host ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ spinoff, premieres July 13
Sheinelle Jones’ daughter tricks her with clickbait email that caused panic at work on Today
What The Next Pro Competition Is Really About
The Next Pro features 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who move into one house together. These ambitious performers will compete through a grueling audition process for one coveted prize. The winner earns a spot as a professional dancer on Season 35 of the main Dancing with the Stars series.
This spinoff marks the first time in DWTS history that dancers compete for a pro role rather than a celebrity trophy. Robert Irwin described it perfectly: “For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro. Let the fiercest dance battle begin.”
Judges and Guest Mentors Bring Star Power
| Role | Participant |
| Host | Robert Irwin, Season 34 champion |
| Judge | Mark Ballas, three-time Mirrorball champion |
| Judge | Shirley Ballas, pro dancer and Mark’s mother |
| Guest Judges | Returning DWTS pros (rotating, TBA) |
Mark Ballas brings serious credentials as a three-time Mirrorball champion and judge on Strictly Come Dancing UK. Judging alongside him is his celebrated mother Shirley Ballas, another legendary pro dancer. Additional rotating guest judges and mentors from returning DWTS professionals will be announced later.
“Now it’s time to find the next pro who can keep up with our seasoned pros and whip these rookie stars into shape.”
— Mark Ballas, Judge
DWTS Season 35 Gets Two Celebrity Contestants Announced
While The Next Pro searches for its next professional dancer, Dancing with the Stars Season 35 already has its first two celebrity contestants confirmed. Maura Higgins, star of The Traitors and Love Island, will compete on the main show. She manifested this opportunity hard, calling it her vision board dream.
Summer House star Ciara Miller joins Higgins in the celebrity lineup. Miller said she’s opening a new chapter and ready to bring her energy to the dance floor. The full Season 35 celebrity cast will be announced later, with the main show premiering in the fall.
Will the spinoff raise the bar for DWTS talent?
Producers hope The Next Pro builds excitement before Season 35 launches. Giving viewers behind-the-scenes access to dancer auditions could deepen their connection to the franchise. The competition concept breaks new ground in DWTS history.
Robert Irwin already proved he has what it takes to win on the dance floor. Now fans get to see if he can mentor and inspire the next generation of ballroom stars. His youth and recent victory make him relatable to aspiring dancers competing for their big break this summer.
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive reporting on Robert Irwin’s hosting announcement and spinoff details
- USA Today – Season 34 champion details and competitive format information
- ABC News/Good Morning America – Official premiere date and judge confirmations
