Witney Carson will serve as a guest judge on the new spinoff series “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” [1, 2].
This move marks a transition for the 32-year-old professional dancer [1], shifting her from the dance floor to the judging panel. It allows a former champion to provide a fresh perspective on the competition as the franchise expands its format.
Carson shared the news during Vulture’s Inaugural Reality Masterminds Celebration on May 7, 2024 [2]. She said she is excited to step into a different role as a guest judge on the new spinoff [1].
The role provides Carson an opportunity to work with Robert Irwin, who was the mirrorball champion of season 34 [2]. Carson said that working with Irwin is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” [2].
While discussing the future of the ballroom, Carson also expressed interest in seeing specific celebrities join the cast. She said she would love to see Chris Hemsworth in the ballroom for the upcoming season [1].
Carson's appointment as a guest judge highlights the show's strategy of utilizing established professional talent to evaluate new competitors in the spinoff series. By bringing in a champion who understands the technical rigors of the competition, the production aims to maintain the high standards of the original series while exploring new talent.
“"I’m excited to step into a different role as a guest judge on the new spinoff."”
The inclusion of a former professional champion like Carson as a judge suggests that the 'The Next Pro' spinoff is designed to bridge the gap between celebrity amateurism and professional standards. By leveraging Carson's technical expertise, and her existing rapport with previous winners like Robert Irwin, the network is attempting to solidify the legitimacy of the spinoff's competition.
