Derek Hough is excited by the celebrities joining the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
Hough has been part of the series since 2007, when he joined as a professional dancer, before becoming a host in 2020. The reality competition show recently celebrated 20 years on air.
Hough choreographed an opening number for a birthday party-themed episode.
“It was really important to [embody] this idea of passing the torch from the pros that really began this all to this new cast of dancers,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview.
The performance brought back dancers from the show’s first season to introduce the dance, including EdytaSliwinska, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Alec Mazo.
After a record-breaking 34th season, this next season is set to be another monumental one. The Dancing with the Stars judge teased what is in store for number 35.
“We’re having this momentum from the past two seasons,” Hough said. “The celebrities are so excited to be on the show, to dance, to compete, to really get the full experience, and that dynamic of a celebrity who is wanting [to win] and really embracing it, that’s what creates great seasons.”
Currently, the cast includes Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson,Summer House‘s CiaraMiller, Irish reality television personality MauraHiggins, and Jimmy Kimmel Live sidekick GuillermoRodriguez for season 35.
Hough seems excited by the rest of the Dancing with the Stars celebs.
“We have a really good cast. There are some people that I know are waiting in the wings,” he revealed. “I’ve been told some of the people that are going to be on the next season. It’s going to be a great one.”
For those eager to find out the other celebrities and which pros will be featured, mark your calendar for September 2. The full cast will be announced on Good Morning America.
Season 35 will be released in the fall on ABC and Disney+.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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