Witney Carson, a two-time mirrorball champion on Dancing With the Stars, is pregnant and returning for season 35 of the show. This marks a first for the series, as Carson will be the first pro dancer to enter an installment while pregnant. The news was revealed on Good Morning America, where it was also announced that Carson will be partnered with Guillermo Rodriguez.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Carson expressed her excitement about the upcoming season, stating, 'I love dance. I love to compete. I love being on the show, and I also love being a mom, and I want to grow my family.' She added, 'So if I can do both and the baby is healthy, then I am gonna try and do it all, because women are amazing.'
Carson's decision to return to the show while pregnant is not without challenges. She and her husband had many conversations with Dancing's casting director, Deena Katz, with the priority always being her and her child's health. Carson says, 'We just decided, kind of me, my husband, and Deena were like, if you feel good enough, why not? Why not do it?'
The pro dancer also noted that she is going into her second trimester next week, making this the latest she has ever been pregnant while dancing, competing, or performing. She expressed her excitement about the challenge, saying, 'I am actually going into my second trimester next week, so this is the latest I’ve ever been pregnant dancing, competing; anything. The fact that I am going to be in a little dance costume, being pregnant, is going to be very interesting and something I’ve never done before.'
Carson's return to the show is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to her dedication to her craft. She has performed while pregnant on Dancing previously, announcing her pregnancy during the season 31 semifinals in 2022. In the past, fellow pro dancer Daniella Karagach said she found out she was pregnant during that same season’s premiere, but Carson is the first pro to go into a season knowing she is expecting.
Despite the challenges, Carson remains optimistic about the upcoming season. She says, 'Working while growing a human is going to be a challenge. But I think it’s going to be also hopefully inspiring, and hopefully it will go okay and people will embrace it.' Her GMA appearance ties in tandem with the release of her episode as a guest judge on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro on Monday.
Carson and her husband, Carson McAllister, share two sons. She won her second season last year alongside Robert Irwin and season 19 in 2014 alongside Dancing co-host Alfonso Ribeiro. Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars will kick off with a double premiere on Sept. 15 and 16, with the full cast to be announced on GMA on Sept. 2.
In conclusion, Witney Carson's return to Dancing With the Stars while pregnant is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her commitment to her family. Her decision to continue performing despite the challenges is inspiring and will undoubtedly be a highlight of the upcoming season.
