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  "path": "/latest/maura-higgins-shocks-fans-with-dancing-with-the-stars-move/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-23T07:18:13.000Z",
  "site": "https://humenglish.com",
  "tags": [
    "Entertainment",
    "Latest",
    "Maura Higgins shocks fans with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ move",
    "HUM News English"
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  "textContent": "Maura Higgins is heading back to reality television, but not in the way fans expected.\n\nFresh off her breakout run on  _The Traitors_ , the former  _Love Island_ star has been confirmed as one of the first contestants for the upcoming season of  _Dancing With the Stars_ , marking a surprising next step in her career.\n\nThe announcement was made during the Hulu Get Real event on April 22, where Higgins was revealed alongside Ciara Miller as part of the first wave of cast members for season 35.\n\n## From ‘Traitors’ standout to ballroom contender\n\nHiggins has remained firmly in the spotlight following her runner-up finish on  _The Traitors_ , where her sharp instincts and competitive edge made her one of the season’s most talked-about contestants.\n\nNow, she is swapping strategy for choreography as she prepares to take on the ballroom, despite having no formal dance training.\n\nHer transition into  _Dancing With the Stars_ signals a shift from high-stakes psychological gameplay to performance-driven competition, though her ability to handle pressure could prove to be a major advantage.\n\nThe announcement has already triggered strong reactions online, with fans calling the move unexpected given Higgins’ recent trajectory.\n\nSome viewers have welcomed the casting, pointing to her screen presence and quick thinking as qualities that could translate well on the dance floor.\n\nOthers, however, are questioning how she will adapt to a format that relies heavily on technical skill and weekly live performances, adding to the intrigue ahead of the new season.\n\n## A high-stakes new challenge\n\nCiara Miller, best known for her role on  _Summer House_ , joins Higgins in the upcoming season, bringing a different energy to the competition after several years on reality television.\n\nBoth contestants are expected to draw strong fan engagement, particularly as  _Dancing With the Stars_ continues to lean into casting personalities with built-in audiences.\n\n## What to expect from season 35\n\nThe new season is expected to premiere in September 2026 on ABC and Disney+, with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.\n\nJudges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are also set to return.\n\nWith full cast announcements and professional pairings still to come, speculation is already building around whether Higgins’ competitive streak could take her all the way.\n\nThe post Maura Higgins shocks fans with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ move appeared first on HUM News English.",
  "title": "Maura Higgins shocks fans with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ move"
}