Dancing With the Stars is expanding its ballroom empire with the help of a fan-favorite champion and a beloved pro.

The long-running ABC competition is set to debut its first-ever spinoff series and it’s tapping one of its most beloved champions to lead the charge.

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Robert Irwin became an instant fan-favorite during his season-winning run alongside partner Witney CarsonCredit: Getty
 

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Alfonso Ribiero and Julianne Hough currently serve as the hosts for the regular DWTS competitionCredit: Getty
A source has told The U.S. Sun that DWTS‘ 2025 champion, Robert Irwin, will host a new spinoff that will center around finding the show’s next pro.

Longtime pro dancer, Mark Ballas, will also be joining the judging panel.

“Derek Hough will be in more of a producer-type role but not on camera.

“The winner will score a spot to be on next season of DWTS as a pro,” a source exclusive told The U.S. Sun.

According to Reality Steve, who first reported the new show is in the works, Mark’s mom, Shirley Ballas, will also serve as a judge alongside her son.

Shirley is an icon in the Latin dancing community, often nicknamed the  “the Queen of Latin” and has also built a successful TV career as a judge on Strictly Coming Dancing, the UK version of DWTS.

While Robert, 22, who won over viewers during his brief time in the ballroom, quickly became a breakout star last year thanks to his infectious charm, athleticism and surprising dance ability.

The wildlife conservationist, and son of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, proved he was more than just an animal expert when he took to the dance floor during Season 34.
 the Mirrorball TrophyCredit: Getty
 

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During his break from being a DWTS pro, Mark Ballas served as a guest judge on DWTS in 2024Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
The Australian native earned high scores and rave reviews from judges throughout his entire run.

His journey from underdog to Mirrorball champion along with his charming personality made him a fan favorite, with viewers praising his work ethic and natural stage presence.

Now, Robert trading in his dance shoes for a hosting gig which marks a major next step in his growing entertainment career after The U.S. Sun previously reported that he was being flooded with offers for TV and modeling gigs.

MARK HIS WORDS

Meanwhile, Mark’s involvement is sure to thrill longtime fans as the three-time Mirrorball champion is one of the most decorated pros in DWTS history.

He first joined the series in 2007 for Season 5 and went on to win it all three different times.

His successful run earned him a reputation for his bold choreography, genre-bending routines, and emotional storytelling.

After stepping away from the show for roughly five years, Mark returned in Season 31 and clinched another win with partner Charli D’Amelio, cementing his legacy as one of the ballroom’s all-time greats.

Beyond DWTS, the multi-talented performer boasts an extensive dance background, having trained at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London alongside longtime friend and current DWTS judge, Derek Hough.

A STAR-MAKING PRIZE

The stakes for the spinoff are sky-high as, according to the insider, the winner of the new competition will secure a professional pro dancer role on the next season of Dancing With the Stars.

That prize adds a fresh twist to the DWTS formula, flipping the script to focus on discovering new talent rather than pairing celebrities with seasoned dancers.

While Derek, a six-time Mirrorball champion and current DWTS judge, won’t have a large role on camera, his behind-the-scenes involvement signals the project has the backing of the franchise’s biggest names.

ABC is expected to announce the spinoff news soon along with additional details such as who will round out the judges’ panel.

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Robert and Witney were praised for their technical dance moves and fun choreographyCredit: Getty
 

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Mark Ballas has established himself as one of the DWTS greatsCredit: Getty