When Whitney Leavitt, reality‑TV star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Jen Affleck, fellow cast member and mother of three, were announced as contestants for Dancing With The StarsLos Angeles, CA Season 34, the entertainment world buzzed with excitement.
The reveal came live during the June 30, 2025 reunion special of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, streamed on Hulu, when host Nick Viall asked who wanted to trade their living‑room drama for a ballroom stage.
Both women raised their hands instantly, with Leavitt citing a lifelong love of dance and Affleck admitting it had been “her life dream since she was little,” according to co‑star Taylor Frankie Paul, who will debut as the next lead of The Bachelorette.
Key Facts:
- Contestants: Whitney Leavitt & Jen Affleck
- Show: Dancing With The Stars Season 34
- Announcement date: June 30 2025 (Hulu reunion special)
- Network: ABC (broadcast) & Hulu (original series)
- Family: Both mothers of three; Leavitt’s son Billy born Oct 2024, Affleck’s daughter Penelope born July 2025
Crossover Casting Explained
ABC has a long‑standing habit of pulling reality‑TV personalities into the Dancing With The Stars lineup. Past seasons featured alumni from "The Bachelor," "Survivor," and even "Top Chef." By tapping into Hulu’s niche‑oriented series, the network broadens its appeal to viewers who follow faith‑focused reality programming. The move also signals a strategic partnership between two streaming powerhouses that rarely intersect.
The Stars’ Personal Lives and Dance Pedigree
Leavitt isn’t a complete newcomer to the dance floor. She grew up taking ballet classes in Salt Lake City and later switched to Latin styles for local competitions. "She’s danced her whole life," Paul noted during the reunion, which explains why producers leaned into her skill set.
Affleck, by contrast, admits the spark is purely aspirational. She’s watched every episode of the show with her three children and said the chance to wear sequined costumes felt like a childhood wish finally materialising. Both women are balancing new parenthood with rehearsal schedules – Leavitt’s son Billy turned one in October 2024, while Affleck welcomed daughter Penelope in July 2025.
Reactions, Rivalry and On‑Set Dynamics
Extra TV captured a candid interview on September 19, 2025, where the two ladies described a "friendly rivalry" that feels more like mutual encouragement than cut‑throat competition. "I think we both want to win it just as much," Affleck said, before adding, "I’m rooting for her. Whoever gets it, we’ll both be happy." Leavitt, initially surprised by the announcement, later expressed support, noting the drama from their Hulu series would translate into an "electrifying" ballroom performance.
Meanwhile, Paul, who is set to lead the next season of "The Bachelorette," attended a rehearsal in the front row, cheering loudly. Her presence underscores the cross‑promotional engine churning behind the scenes, linking three major reality franchises.
Impact on the Reality‑TV Landscape
This casting underscores a broader trend: reality shows are becoming a shared talent pool rather than isolated ecosystems. When Hulu, ABC and the Bachelor franchise start sharing contestants, advertisers gain a larger, more engaged audience, and viewers enjoy a continuity of personalities across platforms. Industry analysts predict more such collaborations, especially as streaming services vie for live‑event ratings.
Season 34 Timeline and What to Expect
Season 34 of Dancing With The Stars is slated to premiere in mid‑September 2025, with weekly live shows airing Thursday nights on ABC. Rehearsals kick off in early August at the ABC Studios lot in Los Angeles, giving the newcomers roughly six weeks to master everything from the Viennese waltz to the salsa. Judges’ panel will feature longtime stalwarts—Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman’s successor Derek Hough, and newcomer Julianne Hough—promising a mix of classic critiques and fresh perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect fans of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"?
Fans gain a new way to follow Whitney and Jen beyond the Hulu series. Their dance‑competition journey offers weekly episodes that spotlight their personalities, potentially boosting Hulu viewership when audiences revisit the original show to catch up on backstories.
What precedent is there for reality‑TV stars crossing over to DWTS?
Since its 2005 debut, DWTS has featured contestants from "The Bachelor" (e.g., Arie Luyendyk Jr.), "Survivor" (e.g., Parvati Shallow), and even "The Voice". The success of those crossovers—often reflected in spike ratings—encouraged the network to keep scouting talent across the reality spectrum.
Will the women’s family commitments affect their performance schedule?
Both stars have emphasized that their children will be prioritized, and production has promised flexible rehearsal times. However, the grueling nature of weekly live shows means they’ll need strong support systems at home to maintain stamina.
What does Taylor Frankie Paul’s involvement signal for the upcoming Bachelorette season?
Her visible support of Whitney and Jen at DWTS rehearsals hints at a strategic cross‑promotion. As the next Bachelorette, Paul will likely reference their dance experience, using it to showcase her own reality‑TV pedigree and attract viewers from the DWTS audience.
When is the first episode featuring the Mormon Wives contestants expected to air?
The premiere is scheduled for September 14, 2025, with both Whitney and Jen appearing in the opening group dance. Their individual debut routines are slated for Week 3 and Week 4, respectively, giving viewers early chances to see their distinct styles.
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