Key Takeaways
- Guillermo Rodriguez, longtime sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will compete on Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
- The new cast also features reality‑TV stars Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, alongside baseball player Jackson Olson.
- Season 34 winner Robert Irwin is set to host the franchise’s spinoff Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. – Professional partners and rehearsal schedules are being finalized ahead of a September 2 reveal on Good Morning America.
- Fans anticipate a fresh mix of personalities, with strong expectations for early‑season performances.
Guillermo Rodriguez Joins Season 35 as a Fresh Contestant
ABC announced on June 17, 2026 that Guillermo “Willy” Rodriguez, the 55‑year‑old beloved sidekick of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will step onto the Dancing with the Stars dance floor for the upcoming fall season. Rodriguez made a surprise appearance on his own talk show, sprinting onto the stage in a bright salsa‑themed outfit and confirming his readiness for the competition. Host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly challenged him to “not lose a single adorable pound,” to which Rodriguez replied that he would gain ten pounds if he lost five, a playful promise that generated laughter from the studio audience. The announcement marks the first time a regular Kimmel correspondent transitions directly into the Dancing with the Stars arena, creating a unique intersection of late‑night comedy and reality‑competition television.
Background of Guillermo Rodriguez
Rodriguez first appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003 as a parking‑lot security guard, a role that quickly evolved into a multiyear tenure as a nightly correspondent, red‑carpet commentator, and frequent participant in the show’s sketch comedy. A Mexican native who became a United States citizen in 2005, Rodriguez later launched his own hot‑sauce brand, Guillermo’s Salsa, in January 2026, underscoring his entrepreneurial spirit beyond television. His long‑standing presence on one of America’s most‑watched late‑night programs has made him a familiar and endearing figure to millions of viewers, a factor that producers hope will translate into strong viewer engagement when he trades the desk for the dance floor.
Season 35 Cast Announcements and Context
Rodriguez becomes the latest confirmed celebrity contestant for Dancing with the Stars Season 35, joining Summer House breakout Ciara Miller and Love Island standout Maura Higgins—both of whom previously appeared on the reality series The Traitors. In addition, professional baseball player Jackson Olson, who plays second base for the Savannah Bananas, has also been added to the roster, a casting decision that was highlighted during the May 12 Disney Upfronts. The previous season’s champion, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, alongside his pro partner Witney Carson, captured the Mirrorball trophy in November 2025; Irwin is now slated to host the new spinoff Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, which premieres on July 13. The mix of comedy personalities, reality‑TV stars, and sports figures promises a diverse set of performances and storylines throughout the upcoming season.
Insights from Other Contestants
Both Higgins and Miller have voiced enthusiastic expectations for their participation. Higgins, who first revealed Dancing with the Stars on her vision board during a The Traitors Season 4 appearance, expressed a clear desire to be paired with pro dancer Mark Ballas, with whom she previously collaborated on the show. She also outlined a measured rehearsal plan that includes daytime naps to avoid burnout before August rehearsals begin. Miller, currently occupied with filming the Summer House reunion in New York, shared a heartfelt video message explaining that while she could not attend the celebrity announcement in Los Angeles, she is eager to “put her energy on the dance floor” as she opens a new chapter in her public life. Their statements highlight a competitive yet thoughtful approach to the challenges ahead, emphasizing both personal motivation and strategic preparation.
Production Timeline and Future Plans
The official full cast, including professional dance partners, will be unveiled on September 2 during a special segment on Good Morning America, a date that aligns with the show’s typical rollout schedule. Following the May 12 Disney Upfronts, Olson’s casting generated excitement among fans, prompting his girlfriend Maggie Sajak—daughter of former Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak—to publicly express pride on Instagram. Production sources indicate that rehearsals will commence in late summer, giving contestants roughly three months to master choreography before the premiere episode airs in the fall. This timeline allows for intensive training while also accommodating contestants’ existing professional commitments, such as Miller’s ongoing Summer House obligations. The structured approach aims to balance competitive readiness with the well‑being of the participants.
Implications for the Show and Viewer Expectations
The addition of Guillermo Rodriguez brings a unique blend of comedy, cultural familiarity, and brand presence to Dancing with the Stars, potentially attracting a broader audience that includes Jimmy Kimmel Live! loyalists and fans of The Traitors. Early social media reactions suggest that viewers are eager to see how Rodriguez’s comedic timing will translate into dance routines, while Higgins’ candid ambition to “manifest” a win adds a narrative of personal redemption that resonates with reality‑TV enthusiasts. The mixture of established personalities and new faces promises to refresh the series’ format, maintaining its relevance in a crowded competition landscape. As the September 2 reveal approaches, anticipation continues to build, positioning Season 35 as a pivotal moment for the franchise to blend humor, athleticism, and celebrity influence into an engaging viewing experience.