Hollywood, Aug 2, 2025 — Reality TV fans woke up today to major updates around Dancing with the Stars. In a surprise reveal during the reunion special of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Jen Affleck (who’s pregnant with her third child) and Whitney Leavitt (with formal dance training) were officially confirmed as contestants on Season 34, joining earlier picks like Robert Irwin and influencer Alix Earle
Co-host Julianne Hough described a fresh energy building around the show, dating back to Season 33’s diverse fanbase and current allure with rising media stars. “There’s an energy around the show right now, and I feel like it’s gonna be our biggest season yet,” she said
Meanwhile, longtime host Tom Bergeron—the original face of DWTS—dropped a hint that he might make a one-night comeback. Bergeron shared that he recently spoke with executive producer Conrad Green about a guest appearance, though nothing is confirmed. He left it playfully open, saying “the mirrorball is back in their court.
Season 34 is set to premiere on September 16, 2025, live on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day on Hulu. Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will continue hosting, while the familiar judging panel of Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli returns to the ballroom
