Conner Leavitt is getting his own chance to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality has officially joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 35. He will compete alongside professional dancer Adele Zaikman when the new season begins September 15 on ABC and Disney+.
The casting also gives the upcoming season a personal connection for the Leavitt family. Conner’s wife, Whitney Leavitt, previously competed on Dancing With the Stars. Now, Conner is preparing to step onto the ballroom floor himself.
Conner Leavitt Is Following Whitney Leavitt Onto DWTS
Whitney’s experience on the show gives Conner a unique perspective before his own competition begins.
Rather than treating her previous run as a blueprint, Conner has indicated that he wants to approach the experience in his own way. Her advice has centred on enjoying the short-lived nature of the competition, staying present and building relationships throughout the process.
That guidance could be particularly useful as Conner faces the pressure of joining a major television competition with millions of viewers watching.
Whitney’s DWTS experience also means Conner knows firsthand how demanding the show can be. Her time in the competition gives him someone close to him who understands the rehearsal schedule, performances and emotional highs and lows that come with the experience.
Who Is Conner Leavitt’s DWTS Partner?
Conner Leavitt will compete with Adele Zaikman, who is making her debut as a professional dancer on the main Dancing With the Stars competition. ABC lists the pair among the official Season 35 cast.
Zaikman earned her place on the professional lineup after winning Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. Her promotion adds another new element to Conner’s season because both sides of the partnership are entering an important new chapter.
For Conner, the goal is not simply to have a famous partner. He will need to learn ballroom technique, build chemistry with Zaikman and deliver performances that connect with both the judges and viewers.
Conner Leavitt Faces a Competitive Season 35 Cast
Conner will not have an easy road to the Mirrorball Trophy.
The Season 35 lineup includes a wide range of entertainers, athletes and reality television personalities. Among the confirmed contestants are actress Julia Stiles, actor Harry Shum Jr., celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, singer Taylor Hanson, actress Tatyana Ali, former The Bachelor star Tyler Cameron and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn.
Other contestants include Jenna Dewan, Ezra Frech, Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Sarah Jane Nader, Jackson Olson, Guillermo Rodriguez and comedian Connor Wood.
That mix makes Season 35 particularly varied. The contestants come from acting, music, sports, reality television, social media and other entertainment backgrounds.
Why Conner Leavitt’s Casting Stands Out
Conner’s casting is notable because he is entering the ballroom after his wife’s appearance on the series.
However, his entertainment career extends beyond being known as Whitney Leavitt’s husband. ABC describes Conner as a performer, producer and creator who became widely known through Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. He has also worked on other entertainment projects and launched Leavitt Media House with Whitney.
That background could help him feel comfortable in front of cameras. Ballroom competition, however, presents a different challenge because contestants must combine performance skills with unfamiliar dance techniques.
Conner Wants to Make His Family Proud
For Conner, the experience is also likely to be a family affair.
His DWTS journey gives his children an opportunity to watch their father take on a completely new challenge. At the same time, having Whitney nearby could provide valuable support throughout the competition.
Still, Conner has a separate goal from simply matching his wife’s previous DWTS performance.
Instead of trying to recreate Whitney’s journey, he has the opportunity to establish his own identity on the show. That distinction could become an important part of his Season 35 storyline.
When Does Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Premiere?
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 will premiere with a two-night event on September 15 and 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
The episodes will air live on ABC and Disney+, with episodes becoming available to stream the following day on Hulu.
The series will once again feature judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, while Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as co-hosts.
For Conner Leavitt, the countdown is now underway. He has the advantage of knowing the show through Whitney’s experience, but the ballroom will ultimately require him to create a DWTS journey of his own.