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Dancing with the Stars season 35 just revealed its first three cast members. The hit ABC ballroom competition will premiere this fall with Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, and Jackson Olson lighting up the dance floor. This diverse trio promises drama, entertainment, and unforgettable performances.
🔥 Quick Facts
- First Three Cast Members: Maura Higgins (Love Island), Ciara Miller (Summer House), Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas)
- Premiere Timeline: Mid-September 2026 on ABC and Disney+
- Full Lineup Reveal: September 2, 2026 on Good Morning America
- Host and Judges: Alfonso Ribeiro hosts, Julianne Hough returns as co-host, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli judge
Love Island Star Maura Higgins Takes Center Stage
Maura Higgins, the Irish reality television personality from Love Island, is among the first dancers announced. The model and TV personality has been manifesting her DWTS appearance for years. Higgins immediately became a fan favorite after her Love Island runner-up finish. She brings proven star power, charisma, and determination to the ballroom, making her one of the most anticipated contestants this season.
Robert Irwin has already predicted Higgins could win the entire competition. Her popularity across reality television platforms and her high-profile fan base position her as a serious contender from night one. Fans expect her competitive spirit and magnetic personality to translate beautifully into dance performances.
Dancing with the Stars season 35 announces first 3 cast members, premieres this fall
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Summer House Breakout Ciara Miller Joins the Dance Floor
Ciara Miller, the Bravo breakout star from Summer House, is the second confirmed dancer for season 35. The reality television personality has built a massive following on the network, and her appearance marks yet another major celebrity partnership for DWTS. Miller’s fans have rallied behind her enormously, creating significant momentum heading into the season.
Miller’s casting comes amid Summer House production changes, but her DWTS opportunity represents a fresh chapter. The reality star considers this the perfect move for expanding her television presence. Her natural charisma and on-camera experience suggest she’ll bring entertainment value and emotional depth to every performance on the ballroom.
Professional Baseball Player Jackson Olson Brings Athletic Energy
Jackson Olson, the 28-year-old second baseman for the Savannah Bananas, completes the exciting trio. The baseball star from New Milford, Connecticut has 1.1 million Instagram followers despite his relative youth in professional sports. Olson openly manifested his DWTS appearance, telling reporters he felt the competition calling to him.
| Contestant | Background | Notable Features |
| Maura Higgins | Love Island, Irish Reality TV | Fan favorite, manifested appearance |
| Ciara Miller | Summer House (Bravo) | Reality breakout star, strong fan base |
| Jackson Olson | Savannah Bananas Baseball | Age 28, 1.1M social followers |
The Connecticut native played college baseball at Hartford and Stetson universities, batting .273 with 171 career hits. His athletic background suggests strong coordination and conditioning for the demanding dance competition. Olson’s infectious energy and social media savvy make him a perfect fit for televised entertainment.
“I kind of manifested this whole thing.”
— Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas Second Baseman
A Season Built for Explosive Entertainment and Drama
Season 35 marks the fourth consecutive year DWTS will air live simultaneously on ABC and Disney+. The premiere is scheduled for mid-September 2026, with the full contestant lineup revealed September 2 on Good Morning America. The returning judges include Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, ensuring familiar expertise and chemistry.
These three contestants bring distinct personality types to the competition. Maura’s dramatic flair, Ciara’s competitive elegance, and Jackson’s youthful enthusiasm suggest season 35 will deliver the substance and spectacle fans crave. Multiple reality TV crossovers guarantee built-in fan armies and dramatic confessional moments.
Will This Season 35 Cast Deliver the Drama We Deserve?
With Maura’s Love Island pedigree, Ciara’s Summer House credentials, and Jackson’s viral social media presence, the ballroom is set for explosive moments. Early predictions already favor Maura Higgins as a frontrunner, but reality TV teaches us never to count out determined competitors. The full 16-member cast won’t be announced until September 2, but these three have already set the bar impossibly high.
Fans are already speculating about professional dancer pairings and potential drama between cast members. Will the reality TV stars collaborate, or will competitive egos create season-defining conflicts? September can’t arrive soon enough for passionate DWTS viewers.
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive coverage of all three cast members and official announcements
- USA Today – Jackson Olson Savannah Bananas casting details and interviews
- The Hollywood Reporter – Complete DWTS season 35 cast updates and production information
