The glitterball has barely cooled after Robert Irwin’s triumphant Season 34 win – but already a fresh batch of fame-hungry celebs are shamelessly campaigning for a spot on Dancing With The Stars next year, sparking feverish speculation about who’ll swap scandal for sequins in 2026.

With Season 34 smashing voting records and pulling in massive TikTok views thanks to viral sensations like runner-up Alix Earle and wildlife heart-throb Robert, producers are reportedly scrambling to lock in another bumper cast of influencers, reality villains and Hollywood hunks for Season 35.

And the self-pitching has reached fever pitch. From Love Island USA runner-up Nic Vansteenberghe openly ‘manifesting’ a ballroom spot (and admitting he’s already ‘training’) to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul teasing her moves after her co-stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt competed this year – these nine stars are making no secret of their DWTS dreams.

Insiders whisper that ABC bosses love casting buzzy reality names who bring built-in drama and fan armies – just look at how Ariana Madix turned #Scandoval into a third-place finish, or how Bachelor Nation alums like Joey Graziadei waltzed to victory.

‘Producers are obsessed with stars who can go viral,’ a source spilled. ‘After Robert and Alix broke the internet, they’re hunting for more young, hot, controversial types who’ll rack up votes from Gen Z.’

Top of the wishlist? Love Island’s Nic, 24, who shot to fame as half of fan-favourite couple ‘Nicolandria’ with Olandria Carthen on Season 7. The hunky Islander – famous for losing a twerk-off but winning hearts – told Glamour he’s ‘manifesting’ a DWTS gig and promised his ‘progression would be insane’.

‘I would win most improved – I just want to dance!’ he declared, adding he’s ‘down for anything but another dating show’. Fans are already fantasising about Nic stripping off for a steamy salsa, with one viral comment reading: ‘From Fiji bombshells to ballroom bombs – make it happen!’

Then there’s Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, the controversial queen of Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Fresh from landing the lead role on The Bachelorette (filming now for a 2026 premiere), Taylor’s been dropping heavy hints since July, posting a kitchen dance video captioned: ‘When DWTS asked about my dance experience? Umm no, but I am the creator of the Baja blast. I’ll be there if you need people next season.’

With her Mormon Wives pals already strutting on the ballroom floor this year – and Bachelor Nation stars historically dominating DWTS – insiders say Taylor’s a ‘lock-in’ post-Bachelorette. ‘She brings the drama, the fanbase and the redemption arc,’ our source dished. ‘Perfect for votes.’

Marvel superstar Simu Liu, 36, has been teasing a spot for months, telling Entertainment Tonight he thinks about DWTS ‘regularly’ after binge-watching Season 34. ‘I love dancing – if I can block out the time, I’d be down,’ the Shang-Chi hunk admitted, prompting pros like Witney Carson and Jenna Johnson to flood his comments begging him to sign up.

Twilight heart-throb Taylor Lautner, 33, and his wife Tay, 28, are another hotly-tipped duo. Tay’s been vocal about it being her ‘dream’ on their podcast The Squeeze, while fans are desperate for a couple’s twist – or even separate partnerships for maximum chaos.

Gymnast-turned-influencer Livvy Dunne, 23, sent fans into meltdown when she replied ‘They did just ask 👀’ to a TikTok comment urging her to join. With 13 million followers and flips that scream ‘perfect 10s’, the LSU star would follow in Olympic gymnast footsteps like Shawn Johnson and Simone Biles.

Dance Moms alum Paige Sioux, 20, called DWTS her ‘MY DREAM’ after a fan prediction video, with pro Brandon Armstrong replying ‘So…. What’s up?👀🤝’ – sparking instant pairing rumours.

High School Musical dad Bart Johnson, 55, got a direct pitch from co-host Alfonso Ribeiro: ‘You’d be great with Val – we’d put you on there!’ after chatting on a podcast with pro Britt Stewart (a former HSM backup dancer).

Comedian Jake Shane – pal of Season 34 runner-up Alix Earle, who’s been campaigning for him – is another influencer name bubbling up, while Savannah Bananas baseball trickster Jackson Olson posted a mock-interview TikTok saying he’d ‘absolutely’ join.

Even Real Housewives of New Jersey firebrand Teresa Giudice declared she’d ‘love’ DWTS after winning Special Forces, joking pro Shawn Johnson is pushing hubby Andrew East to compete too.

The frenzy has fans divided. ‘DWTS is turning into Love Island meets TikTok – bring back proper stars!’ one moaned online. But others are thrilled: ‘Nic shirtless cha-cha? Taylor’s redemption tango? Sign me up!’

With casting usually kicking off in summer for a fall premiere, expect bombshell announcements soon. Producers know controversy equals clicks – and these nine are serving it on a glittery platter.

As one excited fan summed it up: ‘Season 35 is about to be the messiest, hottest cast yet. Manifesting Nic and Taylor drama all night!’

Which of these stars do YOU want to see on DWTS Season 35? Would Nic win the mirrorball? Email [email protected]

The 9 stars desperate for DWTS glory

• Nic Vansteenberghe (Love Island USA): Already ‘training’ and manifesting – promises ‘insane progression’.
• Taylor Frankie Paul (Mormon Wives/The Bachelorette): Teased her ‘Baja blast’ moves; predicted post-Bachelorette lock-in.
• Simu Liu (Marvel actor): Thinks about it ‘regularly’ – pros begging him to join.
• Taylor & Tay Lautner (Twilight star & wife): Tay calls it her ‘dream’; fans want couple chaos.
• Livvy Dunne (Gymnast/influencer): Hinted producers ‘just asked’ – flips for days!
• Paige Sioux (Dance Moms): Called it ‘MY DREAM’; Brandon Armstrong flirting in comments.
• Bart Johnson (High School Musical): Alfonso pitched him directly – HSM reunion vibes.
• Jake Shane (Comedian/influencer): Alix Earle campaigning hard.
• Teresa Giudice (RHONJ): ‘I’d love it’ after Special Forces win.

Why Season 35 could be the wildest yet

• Reality overload: Love Island, Mormon Wives, Bachelorette – drama guaranteed.
• Influencer invasion: Following Alix Earle and Charli D’Amelio’s success.
• Viral potential: Shirtless hunks, flips and scandals = TikTok gold.
• Family legacies: Irwins, Lautners – nepo vibes but fans love it.

Fan reactions exploding online

• “Nic twerking his way to the finale? I’m seated 😍”
• “Taylor Frankie Paul tango after Bachelorette heartbreak? Ratings through the roof!”
• “Simu Liu salsa? Take my money ABC”
• “Livvy Dunne in sequins flipping across the floor – yes please!”
• “Tay Lautner living her dream while Taylor judges from the audience? Chaos I need”
• “DWTS turning into Reality Star Rehab – but I’m here for it 😂”

DWTS history of reality bombshells

• Ariana Madix: Turned Scandoval into 3rd place.
• Joey Graziadei: Bachelor winner took the mirrorball.
• Charity Lawson: Bachelorette finale run.
• Harry Jowsey: Too Hot To Handle heart-throb stayed way too long.

Producers, the ballroom awaits – make these dreams (and our nightmares) come true! ✨