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From Reality Heartbreak to Sequined Comebacks: The High-Stakes Gamble of Dancing With the Stars

A Second Chance at the Spotlight

Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins—two women who’ve weathered very public heartbreaks—are about to trade reality TV drama for the polished chaos of the dance floor. Miller, whose on-screen chemistry on Summer House often swung between scorching and icy, was blindsided when her ex began dating her friend just weeks ago. Higgins, fresh off her Love Island fame and a gutting betrayal on The Traitors, now faces a different kind of high-stakes game: Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.

But this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a calculated power move. Disney dropped the bombshell at Hulu’s Get Real House event, aiming to recapture the magic of communal TV viewing that once defined primetime. Yet behind the sparkle, producers are chasing a younger audience glued to their phones instead of their couches. Last season’s ratings bump proved the gamble might work—but can a waltz really bring back shared TV moments?

Ambition on the Dance Floor

Higgins isn’t playing coy. With a prayerful Instagram plea—“Please pray for me”—she set the tone before declaring war on the competition: “Get me on that dance floor. I want to win the trophy.” Her dream partner? Mark Ballas, the three-time champion she’s eyeing like a prized target.

Miller, meanwhile, is scripting her own Next Chapter 2026—a to-do list prioritizing self-growth, risks, and dance. After a messy breakup, she’s ready to flip the page, one twirl at a time.

A Spin-Off to Shake Up the Game

The shake-up isn’t confined to the stars. Disney just unveiled Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, a cutthroat spin-off where aspiring dancers live together, compete in brutal auditions, and fight for a spot on next season’s pro team. Robert Irwin, last year’s winner, will host the series—premiering July 13 on ABC—but the real twist is the hosting duo: Mark Ballas (stepping out of the spotlight) and his mom, Shirley Ballas, a former ballroom legend.

The Bigger Bet: Nostalgia or Strategy?

Ratings are up. Social media buzz is electric. The show’s tapping into something people crave—shared moments. But is this just smart TV strategy, or a chance for these women to rewrite their narratives?

One thing’s certain: the dance floor awaits, and the stakes have never been higher.