Robert Irwin is hosting ABC's new reality competition spinoff "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" launching this summer [1].
The move expands the franchise's programming into the summer months while creating a direct pipeline for new professional talent to enter the main series. By leveraging Irwin's popularity as a former contestant and champion, ABC aims to maintain viewer engagement between primary seasons.
In the new format, 12 aspiring dancers will compete for a single professional-dancer spot on Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" [1], [2]. The production was announced during Disney’s 2026 Upfront event in the U.S. [3]. The winner of the spinoff will transition directly into the professional roster for the fall 2026 season [3].
Irwin, who won Season 34 of the original series, brings a high-profile presence to the hosting role [4]. While discussing his time on the show, Irwin joked about the wardrobe requirements of the production. "This is Dancing With the Stars. They always make me take my clothes off," Irwin said [5].
Beyond the competition, Irwin has used his platform on the show to highlight his home country. "You know for three months, all I did was talk about how awesome Australia is," Irwin said [6].
The spinoff serves as a talent scout mechanism for the network, ensuring the professional cast remains fresh for the upcoming autumn premiere. The competition focuses on technical skill, and performance ability to determine who is ready for the pressures of the main ballroom [2].
“12 aspiring dancers will compete for a single professional-dancer spot on Season 35”
The creation of 'The Next Pro' signals ABC's strategy to transform 'Dancing with the Stars' from a seasonal event into a year-round brand. By introducing a competitive element to the professional casting process, the network adds a narrative layer of stakes and ambition that was previously absent from the pro-dancer selection, potentially increasing the emotional investment of the audience before the main season begins.
