Show summary Hide summary
Robert Irwin is returning to the ballroom, but not as a contestant. The Season 34 champion just became the host of a brand-new Dancing with the Stars spinoff that debuts this summer. The Next Pro will spotlight 12 up-and-coming professional dancers competing for their dreams on live television.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Show Name: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premiering July 13, 2026
- Host: Robert Irwin, 22, wildlife conservationist and Season 34 champion
- Judges: Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, pro dancing legends
- Format: 12 dancers compete in shared house for pro spot on Season 35
A First-of-Its-Kind Reality Competition Adventure
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro breaks new ground in the DWTS franchise. Instead of celebrities learning to dance, this spinoff features aspiring professional dancers battling through auditions. The winner earns a spot as a pro dancer on the upcoming Season 35 of the main show. This fresh angle gives fans an exclusive peek behind the ballroom curtain they’ve never seen before.
The competition format is intimate yet intense. Twelve dancers will live together in a house, building chemistry while facing daily challenges and eliminations. They’ll showcase their skill levels, versatility, and star potential. Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas will judge their performances alongside rotating pro mentors from the main series.
Robert Irwin to host DWTS spinoff ‘The Next Pro’ debuting July 13 on ABC
Karl Urban cast as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2, set for May 15 release
Robert Irwin Steps Into the Host Role with Enthusiasm
Just months after winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, Robert Irwin is stepping back into the spotlight. Instead of dancing, he’ll guide contestants through their journey. The Australian wildlife conservationist previously starred in his family’s hit show Crikey It’s the Irwins before joining DWTS. His warm personality and charisma made him a fan favorite as a competitor.
“I am so excited to be back with my ballroom family to host this new era of DWTS,” Robert told Instagram followers. He made the announcement during the DWTS national live tour with his champion partner Witney Carson. His genuine passion for the ballroom community is evident. Current and former pro dancers immediately shared enthusiasm in social media comments.
Meet the Judges and Creative Team Behind the Spinoff
| Role | Participant |
| Host | Robert Irwin, age 22 |
| Judge | Mark Ballas, 3-time Mirrorball champion |
| Judge | Shirley Ballas, legendary pro dancer |
| Guest Mentors | Returning pros from main season TBA |
Mark Ballas brings three Mirrorball Trophies and experience judging Strictly Come Dancing UK. His mother, Shirley Ballas, is renowned in the professional dance world as a two-time British National Standard Champion. Together they anchor the judging panel. Returning professional dancers will serve as rotating guest judges and mentors, keeping pros connected to the main franchise.
“I am so excited to be back with my ballroom family to host this new era of DWTS. Witney and I took a little detour from the DWTS live tour to make the exciting announcement.”
— Robert Irwin, Host of The Next Pro
The Ballroom Community Is Already Buzzing with Excitement
Pro dancers and DWTS insiders immediately celebrated the spinoff announcement. Jenna Johnson commented, “Sooooo excited for this.” Britt Stewart posted, “Can’t wait for this.” Ezra Sosa declared it “MAJOR.” The response from the professional community signals strong support for the project. Fans also expressed enthusiasm online, calling it “the most exciting show” and praising the peek behind the ballroom curtain.
The spinoff arrives during a golden era for DWTS. Season 34 delivered blockbuster ratings that led to immediate renewal for Season 35. Now, ABC and Hulu are capitalizing on this momentum. With Robert’s fresh energy as host, the Ballas family’s expertise as judges, and 12 hungry young dancers, the franchise is expanding in exciting directions for summer viewing.
How Will This Spinoff Change the DWTS Universe Going Forward?
The Next Pro fundamentally shifts how viewers see professional dancers. Instead of watching polished pros execute lifts and turns with celebrities, audiences will witness emerging talent competing against each other. This creates raw emotion and genuine stakes. The winner doesn’t just get bragging rights, they earn a guaranteed spot on the main show. This pathway could reshape how future DWTS pros launch their careers.
Airs tonight? Not yet. The wait continues until July 13, 2026, when The Next Pro officially premieres at 8 PM EDT on ABC. Episodes drop on Hulu the next day. Will this spinoff become a launching pad for the next generation of dance superstars? Only time and the judges’ critiques will tell.
Sources
- Good Housekeeping – Robert Irwin speaks out about hosting spinoff series announcement
- USA Today – DWTS champ Robert Irwin to host ballroom spinoff The Next Pro
- ABC News – Robert Irwin to host new spinoff series Dancing with the Stars
