Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller join 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 lineup

The first celebrity contestants for Dancing With the Stars season 35 have been confirmed, with Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller set to compete.

The announcement was made during Hulu’s Get Real House Live event on April 22, introducing the former Traitors stars as the initial names in the upcoming cast.

Both figures bring established reality television profiles as they prepare to enter the ballroom competition later this year.

Higgins shared her long-standing ambition to join the show, telling co-host Julianne Hough, “I have. I'm a strong believer in manifesting. I had it on my vision board. And now it is happening, which I cannot believe, and I know it's going to be so, so hard, but because I really want to do it, I'm going to put my all into it.” She also acknowledged the challenge ahead, adding, “I've got two left feet, though, so it might not go too well,” while noting that the male dancers have “got their work cut out.”

Miller expressed similar enthusiasm in a video message, stating, “I had some unfinished business here in New York City that I needed to wrap up, but I am so excited to join season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. I feel like this is the perfect moment. I feel like I'm opening a new chapter, and I'm so excited to share it with all of you guys. Can't wait to put my energy on the dance floor.” She added, “And Maura, I can't wait to share the dance floor with my fellow Faithful.”

The previous season concluded with a record 72 million votes in the finale, where Robert Irwin and professional partner Witney Carson secured the Mirrorball Trophy. 

Season 35 is expected to air later in 2026, with further cast announcements anticipated.