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Robert Irwin just took on his biggest hosting role yet. The Dancing with the Stars champion is launching a groundbreaking spinoff this July. Get ready for a competition unlike anything you’ve seen before.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: July 13, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC and Hulu
- Host: Robert Irwin, Season 34 DWTS champion with the Mirrorball Trophy
- Judges: Mark and Shirley Ballas, iconic mother-son duo
- Format: 12 aspiring dancers compete for a coveted pro spot
Robert Irwin Makes Historic Jump to Hosting
Just months after winning Dancing with the Stars Season 34, Robert Irwin steps into the spotlight as host. The wildlife conservationist and television presenter brings fresh energy to the DWTS universe. His victory on the ballroom floor earned him the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, making him the perfect choice to lead this innovative spinoff. Irwin’s charisma and dance experience give him credibility with both hopeful contestants and loyal fans.
Transitioning from contestant to host marks a major career milestone. The move showcases ABC’s confidence in Irwin’s star power. His authentic personality and competitive fire promise to elevate the entire production.
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Meet the Judging Powerhouse: Mark and Shirley Ballas
An iconic mother-son pair now leads the judging panel. Mark Ballas, a legendary DWTS professional, and Shirley Ballas, the renowned Strictly Come Dancing judge, bring unparalleled expertise. Together they will evaluate 12 aspiring dancers competing for the ultimate prize. Their combined decades of dance experience create an incredibly high bar for contestants. Mark’s history with the show and Shirley’s international credibility make this duo unbeatable.
This marks Shirley’s first major involvement with the American franchise. Her presence signals ABC’s ambitious vision for finding the next generation of ballroom stars.
The Competition: What Makes It Different
Unlike traditional Dancing with the Stars, this spinoff flips the script entirely. Instead of celebrities dancing with professionals, 12 extremely talented dancers will live together and compete for a professional contract. The winner earns a coveted spot as a future DWTS pro. This format has never been attempted before in franchise history. Contestants will showcase multiple dance styles under intense scrutiny from Mark and Shirley Ballas. The stakes feel higher because the prize offers a genuine career breakthrough.
| Detail | Information |
| Premiere Date | July 13, 2026 |
| Time | 8 PM ET/PT |
| Network | ABC |
| Streaming | Hulu (next day) |
“For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro.”
— Robert Irwin, Host
Why This Show Matters to DWTS Universe
The Dancing with the Stars franchise has dominated television for two decades. Now it’s evolving with this ambitious spinoff. The Next Pro addresses a core franchise question: how do we develop the next generation of ballroom athletes? By creating a show entirely focused on dancers, ABC taps into a massive global talent pool. This spinoff expands the DWTS brand far beyond celebrity partnerships. Fans will finally see truly world-class competition without celebrity storylines, focusing purely on dance excellence.
The strategic timing matters too. Launching July 13 gives the show its own summer spotlight. Episodes dropping daily on Hulu the next day maximize engagement and discussion. This format feeds the franchise’s growing fanbase perfectly.
Will You Watch Robert Irwin’s Historic Hosting Debut?
Robert Irwin has already captured hearts as a champion dancer. Now he tries something entirely new as a host leading a revolutionary format. The combination of fresh hosting talent, elite judging, and unprecedented competition structure creates unmissable summer entertainment. Fans of the original show will want to tune in to see if the new format lives up to the DWTS legacy. The pressure is on but the potential is enormous.
Mark your calendars for July 13. This could be the most exciting DWTS moment in years.
Sources
- ABC News: Confirmed Robert Irwin hosting DWTS spinoff The Next Pro premiering July 13, 2026
- USA Today: Detailed coverage of spinoff announcement and judge selection
- Good Housekeeping: Robert Irwin speaks out on new hosting role with Mark and Shirley Ballas
