Two Reality Stars, Fresh Betrayals, and a Dance Floor Showdown

Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins—two women who’ve recently dealt with public heartbreaks on reality TV—are about to step into the spotlight again. Miller, known for her hot-and-cold moments on "Summer House, " was blindsided when her ex started dating her friend just weeks ago. Higgins, who won fans on "Love Island" before losing her bets on "The Traitors, " faced her own gut-punch finale when a trusted co-star betrayed her in the final round. Now, they’re trading reality drama for sequins, joining Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars" fresh off their personal storms. The new season isn’t just a comeback—it’s a calculated move. Disney dropped the news at Hulu’s Get Real House event, targeting fans who still enjoy watching together like they used to with older shows. Behind the scenes, the producers admit they’re chasing younger viewers who now scroll social media more than they gather around TVs. The ratings bump last season proved they’re on the right track, but can dance moves really bring back communal TV moments?Higgins isn’t hiding her ambition. She posted on Instagram, “Please pray for me, ” before declaring, “Get me on that dance floor. I want to win the trophy. ” She even named Mark Ballas—three-time champion and her dream partner—as her target. Meanwhile, Miller’s Instagram hint about her “Next Chapter 2026” to-do list—prioritizing herself, taking risks, and dancing—suggests she’s ready to flip the page on her messy breakup story. The shake-up doesn’t stop at the stars. Disney also unveiled a new spin-off, “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, ” where rising dancers live together and compete in intense auditions for a shot at joining next season’s pro team. Robert Irwin, last year’s winner, will host the series, which premieres July 13 on ABC. The twist? Ballas, the seasoned champ, will co-host with his mom, Shirley Ballas, a former ballroom star herself. So what’s really driving this push? Ratings are up, social media buzz is strong, and the show seems to be tapping into something people miss—shared TV moments. But is this just smart TV strategy, or are they giving these women a second chance to rewrite their narratives?