Ciara Miller is looking at her past relationships with a different perspective as she prepares for a major new chapter on Dancing With the Stars.
The Summer House star recently opened up about dating, second chances and the lessons she has learned from relationships that did not work out. Her comments came as she got ready to compete on Dancing With the Stars Season 35 with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong.
ABC has confirmed Miller as part of the new season’s celebrity cast. The upcoming season premieres with a two-night event beginning September 15, 2026.
Ciara Miller Says Dating the Wrong People Can Be Part of Growth
Miller has never presented herself as someone who has everything figured out when it comes to relationships. Instead, she now sees her past dating experiences as part of a bigger learning process.
Speaking with E! News after the Season 35 cast announcement, Miller reflected on the experience of choosing the wrong partners and sometimes giving people another chance.
For Miller, those experiences have helped her understand what she wants from future relationships.
She also pushed back against the idea that people should always know immediately who is right for them. In her view, making mistakes can be an important part of discovering what works.
Her Reality TV Journey Has Put Her Dating Life in the Spotlight
Miller’s relationships have been closely followed throughout her time on Summer House. That public attention can make ordinary relationship mistakes feel much bigger.
The situation became particularly complicated following the Season 10 finale, when developments within her social circle created additional tension.
Rather than viewing those experiences only negatively, Miller said they have contributed to her personal growth.
Her perspective is especially notable because much of her relationship journey has unfolded in front of television audiences.
Ciara Miller Says Reality TV Can Make Dating Feel Different
Being in a relationship privately is one thing. Going through it while millions of people watch is another.
Miller acknowledged that reality television can create an unusual situation because viewers often have information that the person inside the relationship does not have.
She explained that people watching from the outside can judge decisions more easily because they have a broader view of what is happening.
That difference, she suggested, can make it difficult for reality stars to avoid feeling judged for their choices.
Hosting Love Island Gave Miller a Different Perspective
Miller has also gained another perspective through her work surrounding dating reality television.
As the host of Love Island: Aftersun, she has had the opportunity to discuss relationship drama from the outside rather than being the person at the centre of it.
She described that experience as validating because it reminded her that relationship mistakes are not unique to her.
The change in perspective has allowed Miller to recognise how difficult it can be for someone to make decisions when they are emotionally involved.
Ciara Miller Begins a New Chapter on Dancing With the Stars
While Miller’s dating life has attracted plenty of attention, her next major television chapter will take place on the ballroom floor.
ABC has officially paired Miller with professional dancer Brandon Armstrong for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
The new season features a broad lineup of celebrities, including Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Jenna Dewan, Giada De Laurentiis, Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Taylor Hanson and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn.
Miller is entering the competition with plenty of television experience, but ballroom dancing presents a very different challenge.
She previously admitted that appearing fit does not necessarily mean having the stamina needed for intense dance rehearsals. Miller said she needed to work on her endurance ahead of the competition.
Brandon Armstrong Did His Homework on Ciara Miller
Miller also shared a funny detail about meeting her Dancing With the Stars partner.
According to Miller, Armstrong admitted that he had researched her background before they began working together. His deep dive reportedly included spending time on TikTok learning more about her.
The moment gave Miller a humorous reminder that her Summer House history comes with her into the ballroom.
Still, the partnership gives her an opportunity to show audiences another side of herself.
When Does Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Premiere?
Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars begins with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026.
ABC says the episodes will air live on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
For Miller, the season represents more than another reality television appearance. It marks a new professional challenge at a time when she appears increasingly comfortable reflecting on the lessons of her past.
Her approach to dating may be simple: mistakes happen, second chances happen, and sometimes those experiences help people understand themselves better.
Now, Miller is taking that outlook into a completely different arena — the Dancing With the Stars ballroom.
Ciara Miller’s Career Continues to Expand
Miller first became widely known through Bravo’s Summer House, where she has appeared for five consecutive seasons. She also competed on Season 3 of The Traitors and has worked as a model, television personality and red-carpet host.
ABC describes her as a former ICU nurse who has built a career across television, fashion and entertainment.
With Dancing With the Stars now added to her résumé, Miller is entering another high-profile stage where viewers will get to see her outside the relationship storylines that helped make her a recognisable reality television personality.
For now, her focus appears to be on the dance floor — and whatever lessons come next.