Let’s be real for a second. For a while, "DWTS" felt like it was recycling the same types of contestants—former sitcom stars, the token athlete, and a reality TV personality we hadn’t thought about in a decade. But Maura and Ciara? This is a fresh, modern energy injection.
For those who don’t live under a rock (or haven’t seen "Love Island UK"), Maura Higgins is a walking meme machine and an absolute icon of confidence. She’s Irish, she’s hilarious, and she has a charisma that is impossible to teach. The woman once dragged a man for wearing beige shorts on national television. If she brings that level of unfiltered energy to the dance floor, the judges won’t know what hit them. More importantly, she has the physicality for it. She’s done some modeling work, but she’s also scrappy. She’s going to want to win, and that desperation for a trophy (or a 10 paddle) makes for great television.
Then we have Ciara Miller from "Summer House." If you watch Bravo, you know Ciara is that perfect mix of elegance and fire. She’s a model with a nurse’s background—meaning she has the discipline to learn choreography and the grace to pull off a mean Viennese Waltz. But don’t be fooled by her sweet face. Ciara has a competitive streak that could easily give us a "Mirai Nagasu" type moment where we are all shocked by how good she actually is.
So, why does this matter for Season 35? Because this casting signals that the producers are finally tuning into what the internet actually wants. They aren’t just grabbing names from the 1990s. They are grabbing women who have massive, loyal fanbases that are active on social media. Maura’s fanbase? They are ruthless. Ciara’s? They are dedicated. The voting this season is going to be a bloodbath.
My prediction? Maura will be the chaotic wildcard who either crashes and burns spectacularly or becomes the dark horse of the season. Ciara will be the consistent, surprise contender who makes it to the semi-finals.
All I know is, I’m already clearing my Monday nights. The ballroom just got a lot more interesting. Welcome to the dance, ladies. Don’t break a heel.
