Maura Higgins is joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars for its 35th season [1].

Higgins, a reality-TV personality and former contestant on The Traitors, enters the competition as one of the first celebrity participants announced for the upcoming cycle. Her participation marks a transition into the U.S. competitive dance circuit as she seeks to win the Mirrorball Trophy [1], [2].

ABC announced the casting news in April 2026 [2]. The network will broadcast the competition within the United States, where the show continues its long-running format of pairing celebrities with professional dancers [1].

Preparation for the season is already underway. Higgins has begun training to meet the technical demands of the ballroom, focusing on the discipline required to secure a victory in the competition [1]. The announcement of her casting was first detailed in reports on April 23, 2026 [2].

As a public figure known for her appearances in high-stakes reality television, Higgins brings a pre-existing international following to the series. The show's format relies on a combination of professional judging, and viewer votes to determine which couple remains in the competition each week.

Higgins is now focusing her efforts on the rigorous rehearsal schedule typical of the program. She is aiming to translate her reality-TV experience into a successful run on the dance floor [1].

“Maura Higgins is joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars for its 35th season.”

The casting of Maura Higgins suggests a strategic move by ABC to leverage international reality-TV fame to drive viewership for Season 35. By selecting a personality with a proven track record in competitive formats like The Traitors, the production aims to attract a younger, digitally engaged audience to the traditional ballroom competition.