Sharna Burgess Returning to Dancing With the Stars for Season 35
Sharna Burgess is officially returning to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom for season 35, marking her first time competing as a professional dancer on the ABC reality television series since season 30 in 2021, according to official show announcements and Good Morning America.
The 41-year-old Australian-born ballroom star and choreographer joins the cast ahead of the upcoming two-night premiere, scheduled for Thursday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu, as reported by ABC News. Burgess confirmed her comeback during a Monday morning appearance on Good Morning America, telling viewers she is returning to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Return of a Mirrorball Champion
Burgess brings a substantial track record to the upcoming season. Her most recent stint as a competing pro occurred during season 30 in 2021, where she was partnered with her now-fiancé, Brian Austin Green, as noted by ABC News.
The official DWTS Instagram account announced the news on Monday, August 24, sharing a video of Burgess blowing a kiss to the camera alongside a caption welcoming her back. Addressing her hiatus, Burgess explained that her departure ahead of season 31 in August 2022 was driven by motherhood after welcoming her first child, son Zane, earlier that year. While she made a surprise cameo during the U.S. series’ 500th episode in November 2024 and maintained judging duties on Dancing With the Stars Australia, full-time participation in the American flagship required waiting until her family dynamics shifted.
Speaking to Us at the inaugural Dancing With the Stars Con on August 3, Burgess revealed that preliminary conversations regarding a return began the previous year. Although producers floated a temperature check rather than a definitive offer, Burgess noted that she felt unready at the time due to parenting commitments and outside acting projects. By waking up nearly a year ago with a renewed desire for dance, the performer decided to accept this year’s invitation.
Cast Lineup and Production Logistics
Burgess joins fellow pro Witney Carson—who is pregnant with her third child—as confirmed professional dancers for the upcoming cycle, according to ABC News. The evolving roster for season 35 also features several reported and confirmed celebrity contestants. According to reports from Us, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt’s husband, Conner Leavitt, is joining the lineup alongside Sarah Jane Nader, sister of Brooks Nader. Additional announced competitors include Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, and Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson.
The complete roster of celebrities and professional dancers will be unveiled on Good Morning America on September 2, setting the stage for the September premiere.
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