During Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Reunion Special, host Nick Viall surprised fans by announcing that two stars from the show—Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt—will be joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 34.
“Because you women are so adored,” Viall said, “they are sending two of you to Dancing With the Stars.” The announcement sparked immediate celebration from Jen and Whitney, with Jen, who is expecting her third child, jokingly challenging Whitney: “I hope you know you’re going down! Just kidding. Bring it on.”
This exciting news follows earlier cast reveals, including Robert Irwin and Alix Earle. For Robert, joining the competition is a family tradition—his sister Bindi Irwin won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2015 and has been offering him advice as he prepares for the show. “She was incredible,” Robert shared on Today, adding with a laugh, “The moves—I’ve got this, a little bit of that.”
For the 21-year-old conservationist, the opportunity is a dream come true. “I cannot tell you what a privilege it is to be joining this season,” he told People. “One day, that’s gonna be me. Now, that dream is a reality and I am over the moon.”
Robert also told E! News that participating helps raise awareness for his passion—wildlife conservation. “I’m always ready to take on exciting new projects that bring attention to our mission,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alix Earle, a longtime fan of the show, shared on Good Morning America that joining DWTS was a no-brainer. “I used to watch it with my grandma when I was little,” she said. “I’m ready to challenge myself, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
As anticipation builds for the full Season 34 lineup, here’s a look at some celebrities who previously turned down Dancing With the Stars:
Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys finally joined in Season 21 after years of touring prevented earlier participation.
Bindi Irwin, daughter of Steve Irwin, joined Season 21 but had previously declined due to her wildlife work.
Demi Moore passed on the chance to join despite her daughter Rumer Willis winning Season 20.
- Caitlyn Jenner declined an invitation to compete, opting out despite interest from producers.
- Lindsay Lohan was approached for Season 16 but said no.
- Paula Deen refused twice before finally joining Season 21.
- Tiffani Thiessen, despite her Saved By the Bell co-stars competing, declined, saying she’s “an actor, not a dancer.”
- Bobby Flay turned down the show partly due to personal reasons and his wife’s wishes.
- Other notable decliners include Geraldo Rivera, Kirstie Alley, Gayle King (who turned it down three times), Ricky Schroder, and Jamie Lee Curtis, who said she’d only compete for a big charity donation.
With so many stories on and off the dance floor, Dancing With the Stars Season 34 promises to bring excitement, surprises, and plenty of heart.
