The ballroom is ready to dazzle as Dancing with the Stars Season 34 prepares to premiere on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Marking the show’s 20th anniversary, this season promises a vibrant mix of celebrities from Olympic heroes to reality TV stars, all vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Announced on Good Morning America on September 3, the cast features a diverse lineup of 14 UK and international stars paired with professional dancers, bringing fresh energy to the dance floor. Here’s your guide to the celebrities stepping into the spotlight, their backgrounds, and their pro partners.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Season 34 boasts an eclectic mix of talent, from athletes to actors, musicians to influencers, reflecting the UK’s love for diverse entertainment. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returning, the season is set to blend nostalgia with modern flair. Let’s meet the celebrities ready to cha-cha, waltz, and jive their way to glory.
Jen Affleck with Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck, a standout from Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, brings her TikTok fame to the ballroom. With over 2.5 million followers, Affleck shares dance videos and lifestyle content, making her a natural fit for DWTS.
A mother of three, she welcomed her daughter Penelope in June 2025, just 11 weeks before the premiere. Paired with new pro Jan Ravnik, a former backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Affleck aims to channel her viral dance energy into polished routines.
Hilaria Baldwin with Gleb Savchenko
Hilaria Baldwin, yoga instructor, podcaster, and author, steps into the spotlight amid past controversies about her heritage. Married to Alec Baldwin, she’s a mother of seven and brings a fitness-focused approach to the dance floor.
Partnered with Gleb Savchenko, who returns despite personal drama from Season 33, Baldwin’s dance experience from Instagram reels could give her an edge in creating dynamic performances.
Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa
Olympic gold medalist gymnast Jordan Chiles, a member of the 2024 US Women’s Gymnastics team, is ready to flip her way into fans’ hearts. Known for her resilience after a controversial medal dispute, Chiles brings athletic prowess and charisma.
Paired with Ezra Sosa, who debuted as a pro in Season 33, she’s poised to deliver high-energy routines that blend gymnastics flair with ballroom precision.
Baron Davis with Britt Stewart
NBA All-Star Baron Davis, a two-time leader in steals during his career with teams like the Golden State Warriors, trades the court for the dance floor. His competitive spirit and athletic background make him a formidable contender. Partnered with Britt Stewart, Davis will tackle ballroom challenges with the same intensity he brought to basketball.
Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy
Social media sensation Alix Earle, with 11 million TikTok followers, is a lifelong DWTS fan who watched the show with her grandmother. Host of the Hot Mess podcast, Earle has some dance experience from her high school years but is new to ballroom.
Paired with veteran pro Valentin Chmerkovskiy, she’s eager to challenge herself and bring her vibrant personality to the stage.
Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach
Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron, is a former competitive athlete and co-producer of Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Fresh off winning The Traitors Season 3, he’s ready to tackle ballroom with no prior dance experience. Partnered with Daniella Karagach, Efron’s determination and charm could make him a fan favourite.
Corey Feldman with Jenna Johnson
’80s child star Corey Feldman, known for iconic films like The Goonies, Stand by Me, and The Lost Boys, brings nostalgic appeal. Now a musician and actor, Feldman’s stage presence will shine alongside reigning champion Jenna Johnson, who won Season 33 with Joey Graziadei. Expect dramatic performances from this dynamic duo.
Danielle Fishel with Pasha Pashkov
Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, beloved as Topanga Lawrence, returns to the spotlight. Now a podcaster with Pod Meets World, Fishel’s charm and relatability make her a strong contender. Paired with Pasha Pashkov, who’s yet to win a Mirrorball, she’ll blend ’90s nostalgia with fresh dance moves.
Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendrix, unforgettable as Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap (1998), brings her acting finesse to the ballroom. With roles in Dynasty and Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Hendrix is ready to have fun, as she posted on Instagram: “Being danciful is not a crime!” Partnered with Alan Bersten, she’s set to deliver polished performances.
Scott Hoying with Rylee Arnold
Grammy and Emmy-winning Pentatonix founder Scott Hoying brings musical expertise to DWTS. Known for a cappella hits, Hoying’s stage experience could translate into captivating routines. Paired with Rylee Arnold, a rising pro and sister of Lindsay Arnold, he’s ready to harmonize dance and music.
Robert Irwin with Witney Carson
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, son of Steve Irwin and brother of Season 21 winner Bindi Irwin, follows in his sister’s footsteps. Known for Crikey! It’s the Irwins and a viral Bonds Underwear ad, the 21-year-old brings youthful energy. Paired with Witney Carson, Irwin aims to honour his family’s DWTS legacy.
Lauren Jauregui with Brandon Armstrong
Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui, known for hits like “Work from Home,” steps into the ballroom with vocal talent and stage presence. Paired with Brandon Armstrong, who’s seeking his first Mirrorball, Jauregui’s performance skills could make her a standout in Latin dances like the salsa or rumba.
Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt, another star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, joins castmate Jen Affleck. A TikTok influencer with 2.5 million followers, Leavitt is considered a strong dancer within her “MomTok” circle. Paired with Mark Ballas, who returns after winning Season 31 with Charli D’Amelio, she’s ready to shake off her “villain” label from reality TV.
Andy Richter with Emma Slater
Comedian Andy Richter, Conan O’Brien’s former sidekick on Late Night and CONAN, brings humour and charm. Known for roles in Elf and Madagascar, Richter also hosts The Andy Richter Call-in Show on SiriusXM. Paired with Emma Slater, his wit and relatability could win over audiences.
What to Expect This Season
Season 34 celebrates DWTS’s 20th anniversary with a mix of nostalgia and fresh faces. The inclusion of UK-relevant stars like Robert Irwin, who resonates with British audiences through his conservation work, and social media influencers like Affleck and Leavitt, taps into the UK’s growing fascination with reality TV crossovers.
The return of pros like Mark Ballas and the debut of Jan Ravnik add excitement, while the absence of Artem Chigvintsev shifts focus to veterans like Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson.
Fans on X are buzzing, with some rooting for Jordan Chiles’ athleticism and others excited for Danielle Fishel’s nostalgic appeal. However, debates swirl around Hilaria Baldwin’s casting due to her past controversies, with comments like, “Didn’t realize being married to a Baldwin makes you a star!” reflecting mixed sentiments. The season’s live simulcast on ABC and Disney+ ensures UK viewers can watch at 1 a.m. BST or stream later, making it accessible for British fans.
Conclusion
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 promises a thrilling blend of talent, from Olympic gymnasts to ’80s icons and TikTok stars. Whether you’re in London or Leeds, tune in on September 16 to see who shines brightest in the ballroom. Who’s your pick to win the Mirrorball Trophy? Follow the action on ABC, Disney+, or Hulu, and join the conversation on X!
Myself Aditya and I am from Mumbai, India. As an intern, I joined the local news agency in Mumbai named “The Mumbai News”. Now I am working with various News Agencies and I provide them reports from Mumbai and other parts of India.
