Mark Ballas Suggests Uncertainty About His DWTS Future in Season 35
Is Mark Ballas set to make a comeback on Dancing With the Stars for its 35th season? His status remains uncertain.
“I’m not sure if I’m returning yet,” Ballas, 39, shared with Us Weekly exclusively at the Disney 2026 Upfront Red Carpet in New York City on Tuesday, May 12. “I just had a really productive run on Dancing With the Stars, The Traitors, and The Next Pro that we recently filmed.”
He added, “I just wrapped up my role in Chicago on Broadway, so I’m going to take a moment to reflect before deciding in the summer or fall. But I’m definitely open to it.”
Ballas also commented on the recent DWTS casting revelations, particularly the addition of Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller from Traitors. (It’s also been announced that Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson will join the competition.)
“She manifested this,” Ballas told Us, referring to Higgins, 35, with whom he discussed DWTS frequently while filming Traitors season 4 earlier this year.
“I’m thrilled to see her on the show,” he remarked about the former Love Island contestant, emphasizing that “the partner pairings are not finalized yet” between celebrities and their professional dancers.
“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” Ballas expressed regarding the new lineup. “They’re both Traitors alums, which will be exciting for them to connect over.”
Ballas first graced the DWTS stage in season 5 back in 2007. He left the series after season 22 in 2016 but made a comeback for season 25 in 2017 before taking a long hiatus. He made a surprise return in season 31 in 2022, teaming up with Charli D’Amelio to clinch the competition and secure the Mirrorball Trophy.
As we approach DWTS season 35, which is set to premiere this fall, Ballas will also be featured on the upcoming reality series Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, launching this summer.
“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro showcases 12 outstanding emerging dancers living together and competing in a rigorous audition process,” the show’s official synopsis notes. “[They are] all vying for a coveted role as a pro dancer in season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.”
Robert Irwin, who won DWTS season 34 in 2025, is set to host the show. Ballas will serve as a judge alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas. The duo will be joined by a rotating panel of guest judges and mentors.
“For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the top dancers will compete for a chance to become the next pro,” Irwin, 22, stated in the show’s trailer that premiered last month. “This summer, let the fiercest dance battle commence.”
