Robert Irwin to Host New 'Dancing with the Stars' Spinoff Premiering July 13

ABC has set a summer premiere date for its latest Dancing with the Stars spinoff. The new series, titled Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, arrives on July 13 at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available on Hulu the following day.

Robert Irwin, the wildlife conservationist who won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 34, will serve as the show's host.

The spinoff follows a competitive format centered on emerging talent. According to ABC's official description, the program will showcase 12 promising young dancers as they reside together and navigate an intensive audition process. The ultimate prize: securing a professional dancer contract for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.

Judging duties fall to Mark Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion, alongside Shirley Ballas, recognized as "The Queen of Latin." The judging panel will also feature appearances from returning pro dancers who will rotate through the season as both mentors and guest judges. Further details regarding the rotating pros and competing dancers will surface at a later date.

In related news, the network has confirmed two celebrity contestants for Season 35. Ciara Miller, the 30-year-old cast member from Summer House, and Maura Higgins, a 35-year-old personality known for appearances on Love Island and The Traitors, will both be hitting the dance floor this year.