As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated return of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), Season 34 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about editions in the show’s two-decade history. With the premiere set for September 16, 2025, fans and insiders alike are buzzing with speculation, excitement, and a fair share of drama about the new cast and potential groundbreaking moments on the ballroom floor.
Confirmed contestants for this milestone season already include a dynamic and diverse lineup. Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife legend Steve Irwin, is set to follow in his sister Bindi’s footsteps. According to People, Irwin expressed his enthusiasm at Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event in Los Angeles, stating, “I cannot tell you what a privilege, what an honor it is to be joining this season… I said, 'One day, that's going to be me.' And now, that dream is a reality, and I am over the moon. Let's do this!” Bindi Irwin previously captured the hearts of fans and took home the mirrorball trophy in 2015, setting a high bar for her younger brother.
Joining Irwin are social media star Alix Earle, and reality personalities Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, both known from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Earle, revealed as the second celebrity contestant in May 2025 during an appearance on Good Morning America, shared, “I'm ready to challenge myself. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I danced when I was little until my sophomore year of high school. At least I know an eight-count in dance, but I've never done ballroom.” Affleck and Leavitt’s participation was confirmed during their show’s Season 2 reunion in July, rounding out a cast that promises to bring both fresh faces and compelling backstories to the ballroom.
But it’s the rumors swirling around other potential cast members that have truly set social media ablaze. One especially persistent theory centers on Bart Johnson, best known as Coach Bolton from the beloved High School Musical franchise and brother-in-law to actress Blake Lively. The speculation gained traction after Johnson commented on a DWTS promo video featuring co-host Julianne Hough, writing, “I couldn't be more excited!! Well… there's ONE way I could be more excited…” Fans immediately interpreted this playful remark as a hint at his possible participation, with threads on Reddit lighting up with comments like, “He’s for sure going to be on this season, especially if it helps clean up Blake’s mess and all the smearing it did to their family. Wouldn’t be surprised if she used this as a stepping stone to reappear in Hollywood by showing up to some tapings to ‘support’ him.” Another fan chimed in, “I doubt it but I want it so badly. He’s been campaigning for years lol. I would be so happy to see him dancing on my screen.”
While the official celebrity lineup will not be revealed until early September on Good Morning America, as reported by US Weekly, the pattern of social media teasers and playful hints suggests that the producers are leaning into the suspense, keeping fans guessing right up to the big announcement.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a history-making moment looms large thanks to former Bachelor star Colton Underwood. Underwood, who came out as gay in 2021, has openly expressed his desire to join DWTS and break new ground by competing with a male professional partner—specifically, Mark Ballas. Speaking to TVInsider, Underwood stated, “It would show a lot of people that two men can dance together and still entertain. Honestly, I think it would be really fun.”
The show has only featured one same-sex pairing so far, when JoJo Siwa danced with Jenna Johnson in 2021, marking a significant step forward for representation on the series. Underwood’s hope is to take that progress even further by forming the first all-male dancing pair, potentially inspiring viewers and challenging traditional norms of ballroom dance on national television.
Mark Ballas, the professional dancer Underwood hopes to partner with, is himself a DWTS legend. Ballas last competed in 2022, where he and TikTok sensation Charli D’Amelio clinched the mirrorball trophy. According to Kristyn Burtt, a well-connected DWTS expert, Ballas is set to return for Season 34. Burtt shared her excitement on TikTok, exclaiming, “Mark is back! Mark!!!!” and captioned her video with “Welcome back!”—though Ballas has yet to confirm the news himself.
The professional roster is also under the microscope, with rumors swirling about who will and won’t return for the anniversary season. Sasha Farber, a fan favorite, addressed speculation about his status on Instagram, writing, “One way or another it’s going to be the 20 year celebration of the show it’s going to be EPICCCC.” Farber’s enthusiasm suggests that, regardless of the final lineup, the season will be a fitting tribute to two decades of DWTS magic.
Gleb Savchenko, another popular pro, found himself at the center of controversy after his ex-girlfriend Brooks Nader claimed he was dismissed from the show following alleged infidelity during Season 33. Savchenko quickly shot down the rumors on TikTok, lip-syncing to an audio recording that says, “I don’t know where you got your information from, I don’t know who your source is, but I will be the first one to tell you that is incorrect.” He further captioned the post, “Your ‘source’ needs a refund…because that story? 100% fake.” Savchenko is expected to appear on Season 34, putting the rumors to rest.
All of this comes as DWTS prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a milestone few reality competition shows achieve. The season promises not just nostalgia, but a renewed focus on inclusivity, star power, and the kind of show-stopping performances that have kept viewers tuning in year after year. The confirmed cast members—Irwin, Earle, Affleck, and Leavitt—represent a blend of established celebrity, social media stardom, and reality TV intrigue, while the possible addition of Bart Johnson and the return of beloved pros like Ballas and Savchenko only heighten the anticipation.
With the official cast reveal just weeks away and rumors flying at full tilt, one thing is certain: the ballroom will be packed with both fresh faces and seasoned favorites, ready to dance their way into the hearts of America once again. Whether it’s the potential for a groundbreaking all-male pairing, the return of fan-favorite pros, or the prospect of family drama spilling onto the dance floor, Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of movement, music, and the magic of live television.
