If youāre a Dancing With the Stars fan and have been on TikTok recently, then you might have already seen some rehearsal studio photos and pairing sightings circulating ahead of the official Season 35 cast revealā¦ and you know what? Iām not mad about it. While the ballroom doors may not be open just yet, the internet is already spinning theories on who will be joining this seasonās cast of DWTS and who they’re partnered with ā and fans may not be far off.Ā
While ABC has confirmed a few contestants ahead of the full Good Morning America cast announcement set for Sept. 2, such as Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez (who is set to be partnered with pro Witney Carson), thereās still lots more to come ā especially with a whopping 16 pairings planned for the season (rumored to be, at least).
But, with all these rumors flying, itās honestly hard to keep track. From Connor Leavitt to Amber Glenn to Ezra Frech, there are many rumoured pairings battling for the Mirror Ball trophy across Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, and yes, even Quora. Thatās why Iāve collected some of the best pairing theories for this season of DWTS, so you donāt have to go digging.
Of course, it’s worth noting that none of the pairings have been confirmed. It’s all in good TikTok fun! But, if they turn out to be true, I truly believe no one will be upset.
- Connor Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
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Ah yes, another Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast memberā¦ but itās not who youād think. In fact, it’s better. DadTok legend Connor Leavitt and DWTS: The Next Pro contestant Adele Zaikman are highly rumored to be paired together on this season of DWTS, and given how well Witney Leavitt, Connorās wife, did on the previous seasonā¦ Iād say he has a good chance of taking home that mirror ball.
- Ciara Miller and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
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Now Summer House star Ciara Miller and pro Val Chmerkovskiy sound like theyād make a good DWTS pairing. Back in June, Miller actually publicly requested that Chmerkovskiy be her partner for DWTS, and his reaction was hilarious. So, honestly, this would be iconic.
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
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Iām so glad that Emma Slater is returning as a pro this season because, TBH, sheās my favorite. Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson is rumoured to pair with Slater, and honestly? I think they could make an interesting pair. (Donāt know if anyone can compare to her and Andy Richter, though.)
- Tyler Cameron and Rylee Arnold
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Tyler Cameron, who was a runner-up on season 15 of The Bachelorette, is rumored to pair with pro Rylee Arnold. IMO, I think this could be good for her: Theyāre both tall(ish), and it would honestly be a new and different vibe of partner for her (heās like the complete opposite of Harry Jowsey, mind you).Ā
- Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
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Emmy Award-winning chef Giada De Laurentiis is not only highly anticipated to be on this season, but to be partnered with pro Alan Bersten. FWIW, I can see De Laurentiis becoming a favorite on the show, and Bersten seems like a good fit for her.Ā
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
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This is hands down my favorite rumoured pairing. Maura Higgins and pro Mark Ballas not only competed together in Season 4 of Traitors, but became pretty close, too. Higgins, who was also a finalist on Season 5 of Love Island UK, publicly expressed that Mark would be her ideal DWTS partner. (Donāt talk to me if these two arenāt paired together)
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
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Actor Harry Shum Jr., best known for his role on Glee, is one of the most highly anticipated celebrity contestants for this season of DWTS. Shum Jr. is also a dancer, which has fueled the ongoing conversation of whether or not celebrities with dance backgrounds should be on the show. But, IMO, it makes the season exciting and competitive ā especially being partnered with the iconic Jenna Johnson.
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
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If thereās one thing about me, itās that I love 10 Things I Hate About You (and Julia Stiles). Stiles is rumoured to pair with pro Ezra Sosa on this season of DWTS, and something tells me they would get pretty far together. They both have great energy and could definitely keep the audience smiling.
While many of these pairings have not yet been confirmed, these theories have DWTS fans in an absolute frenzy, waiting for the formal casting announcement. (And I donāt blame them.)
Season 35 of DWTS will premiere with a special two-night event on Sep. 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+. So, if you canāt reach me, now you know why!