Summary (tl;dr)

Reality television stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller are currently trending following the official announcement that they will be the first two celebrity contestants on the upcoming "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35, set to premiere in Fall 2026.

Essential Background

Maura Higgins is an Irish reality television personality, model, and presenter who gained prominence as a finalist on "Love Island UK" in 2019 and more recently as a runner-up on "The Traitors US" Season 4. Ciara Miller is an American reality star best known for her role on Bravo's "Summer House" and also appeared on "The Traitors" Season 3. Miller's recent storyline on "Summer House" involving a public relationship scandal has also kept her in the headlines. Both have substantial followings from their previous reality TV ventures.

The Full Story

On April 22, 2026, Disney officially revealed Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller as the initial celebrity contestants for "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 during Hulu's "Get Real House" event. The popular dance competition series is slated to return in Fall 2026 on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. This announcement confirms prior speculation and fan excitement surrounding Higgins' and Miller's potential participation. Both women have expressed enthusiasm for competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

Why It Matters

The inclusion of Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller in the "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 cast has generated significant buzz among reality TV enthusiasts. Higgins' recent strong performance and popularity on "The Traitors US" have heightened expectations for her on the dance floor. Similarly, Miller's participation is timely, given the ongoing public interest in her personal life following a recent relationship drama on "Summer House," which is expected to draw substantial viewership to her "Dancing with the Stars" journey. Their combined star power and existing fan bases are anticipated to make Season 35 a highly watched and discussed installment of the series.

Geographic Location

• Casa Lago, Beverly Hills, California, United States (Hulu's Get Real House event where the announcement was made)