Maura Higgins shocks fans with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ move

Maura Higgins is heading back to reality television, but not in the way fans expected.

Fresh 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.

The 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.

From ‘Traitors’ standout to ballroom contender

Higgins 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.

Now, she is swapping strategy for choreography as she prepares to take on the ballroom, despite having no formal dance training.

Her 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.

The announcement has already triggered strong reactions online, with fans calling the move unexpected given Higgins’ recent trajectory.

Some viewers have welcomed the casting, pointing to her screen presence and quick thinking as qualities that could translate well on the dance floor.

Others, 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.

A high-stakes new challenge

Ciara 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.

Both contestants are expected to draw strong fan engagement, particularly as Dancing With the Stars continues to lean into casting personalities with built-in audiences.

What to expect from season 35

The new season is expected to premiere in September 2026 on ABC and Disney+, with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.

Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are also set to return.

With full cast announcements and professional pairings still to come, speculation is already building around whether Higgins’ competitive streak could take her all the way.