Julianne Hough, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson during season 33 of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’. Photo:

Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty

It’s almost time to cha-cha back to the ballroom for season 34 of Dancing with the Stars.

ABC’s long-running dance competition series is returning for another season — and has officially named its first celebrity contestant.

On April 22, it was announced at Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event in Los Angeles that Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, would compete on the newest season.

“I cannot tell you what a privilege, what an honor it is to be joining this season,” Irwin said before recalling how his sister Bindi competed on the show in 2015.

“I said, ‘One day, that’s gonna be me.’ And now, that dream is a reality, and I am over the moon. Let’s do this!” 

Last season was one for the Dancing with the Stars record books — season 33 attracted the highest total viewership in over three years with 7.95 million total viewers watching the finale, per Variety. The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson won the season.

But in season 34, a new duo will take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Here’s everything to know about Dancing with the Stars season 34.

Robert Irwin in 2024. Brendon Thorne/Getty

Conservationist and zookeeper Robert Irwin was the first cast member confirmed for season 34. Irwin made the announcement himself at Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real Event in April 2025, where he walked through the crowd shirtless while holding a snake around his neck.

Robert isn’t the first Irwin to compete on Dancing with the Stars. Back in 2015, his sister Bindi was crowned the winner of season 21 alongside her partner Derek Hough, who is now a judge on the show.

While speaking to PEOPLE at the Los Angeles gathering, Hough said he believes Robert can “absolutely” live up to his sister’s legacy.

“It’s been 10 years since that little guy was on that front row rooting for [his sister],” Hough said. “To see the man that he’s become in 10 years is pretty amazing. We’re really lucky to have him.”

Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty

Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will return as hosts for season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, they confirmed at the April 2025 event.

Hough has a long history with the dance competition show. She previously starred as a professional dancer for five seasons from 2007 to 2009, taking home two Mirrorball Trophies. She also served as a judge for six seasons between 2014 and 2021.

“Dancing with the Stars has been part of my life for 18 years, and it’s truly shaped who I am,” Hough wrote on Instagram in April 2025. “From dancing as a pro in the ballroom to judging on the panel and now co-hosting with my bestie @therealalfonsoribeiro this journey has been full of growth, joy, and deep deep connection.”

As for Ribeiro, he’s been co-hosting the series since season 31. As a contestant, he won season 19 of Dancing with the Stars alongside his partner Witney Carson.

Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty

Dancing with the Stars has not confirmed the judges who are returning for season 34.

Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli have served on the panel for 33 consecutive seasons. Since season 29, they’ve been joined by Derek Hough, who, like his sister Julianne, has been a staple on the show for years.

As a pro dancer, Derek won the Mirrorball Trophy six times.

Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold in 2025. Cristian Lopez/Disney/Getty

The list of dancers slated to compete on Dancing with the Stars season 34 has not been publicly announced. However, pros Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold co-hosted the Get Real Event in L.A. where season 34 was confirmed.

Dancing with the Stars alums Sasha Farber, Pasha Pashkov, Daniella Karagach, Jenna Johnson, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, Britt Stewart and Alan Bersten were also in attendance at the gathering.

“Best newssssss! Let’s gooo! Give it up for Season 34 of @dancingwiththestars and our first celebrity, @robertirwinphotography, Aussie, Aussie!!!!” Farber wrote on Instagram following Irwin’s casting announcement.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson during season 33 of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’. Eric McCandless/Disney/Getty

A premiere date for Dancing with the Stars season 34 has not been publicly announced yet.

During season 33, episodes aired on ABC and Disney+. They were available to stream on Hulu the following day.