Season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” sees two reality TV co-stars competing against one another for the coveted Mirrorball trophy.
Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck from Hulu’s hit series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are trading #MomTok drama for the ballroom floor. However, Whitney is already making it clear that she won’t let Jen “out-cha-cha” her, as the competition series heats up in just its first week.
Whitney Leavitt on Facing Jen Affleck on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
GettyWhitney Leavitt was once deemed a reality TV “villain,” but she’s ready to show America her playful, fun, and lighthearted side as she competes on season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars.”
Her biggest competitor this season will be her “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” co-star Jen Affleck, but the two dirty soda drinkers are also going to show one another a ton of support.
Speaking to TV Insider, Leavitt admitted that she and Affleck will be each other’s “biggest cheerleaders” as they compete against each other and other well-known celebrities this season, including influencer Alix Earle and conservationist Robert Irwin.
“I didn’t sign up to let Jen out-cha-cha me on national television!” Leavitt told the outlet. “Truthfully, having her here pushes me to bring my A-game, and I know she feels the same. We both want to crush it, and there’s something about dancing next to someone you know that makes you work a little harder. We’re definitely going to push each other, but we’ll also be each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” she added.
Both Leavitt and Affleck gained prominence as cast members of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a Hulu reality TV series that showcases the lives of Utah-based influencers known as “MomTok.” Fans of the series appreciated the women’s authenticity and openness as they navigated personal issues, friendships, and significant milestones in their careers.
Now, fans will get to see a different side to them as they swap silly and viral TikTok dances for polished, professional routines.
Mark Ballas Breaks From His Retirement to Partner With Leavitt
For season 34, Leavitt is partnered with Mark Ballas, who is making a surprise return to the ballroom after previously retiring following his season 31 win with social media star Charli D’Amelio.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Leavitt shared how elated she was to be partnered with the professional dancer. In fact, the two stars have already proven a strong friendship, having joined forces on TikTok by sharing hilarious dance moves at the DWTS rehearsal studio and Ballas drinking his first-ever dirty soda.
“When I first walked through the door to meet Mark, I was trying to play it cool in my mind, but I’m sure on TV it is not going to read,” Whitney told ET. “I am more than excited. To me, Mark is the best of the best.”
Fans are looking forward to seeing Ballas back on the dancefloor, especially after he returned for the season 33 finale and wowed viewers when he danced the Argentine tango alongside former pro-turned-judge Derek Hough.
Returning to “Dancing With the Stars” holds extra meaning for Ballas. While speaking to Us Weekly, he shared how he wanted to show his young son, Banksi Wylde Ballas, just how deep his love of dance is.
“I am also a new dad, and I really am excited for my son to see daddy do this. I love the show and I’ve been able to perform on it a couple of times since I stopped. I got to do the awesome tango with Derek [Hough], me and Charli did a victory lap. I got to guest judge last year … I’m like, ‘I think I got a couple more in the tank.’ I want my son to watch me do this. Excited to be back,” he shared.
As for Affleck, she is partnered with Jan Ravnik, a newcomer to DWTS best known for dancing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
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‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stars Embrace Friendly Competition on DWTS