'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Stars Join 'Dancing with the Stars'

Season 34 of "Dancing With the Stars" is set to feature two prominent cast members from Hulu’s hit unscripted series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”: Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck. The exciting news was officially announced by host Nick Viall during the "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Season 2 reunion special, which aired on Hulu on July 1. This revelation marks the third and fourth celebrities confirmed for the upcoming season of the popular dance competition, joining wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and model and influencer Alix Earle.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered on Hulu in September 2024, quickly became the streaming service’s most-watched unscripted series. Its second season, debuting on May 15, further surpassed its predecessor in ratings, drawing five million views in its first five days. Both Leavitt and Affleck have been central figures on the show since its inception, gaining significant attention as #MomTok influencers, a term referring to Mormon influencers, which has contributed to their rising net worth.
Whitney Leavitt's journey on "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" has been notable. In Season 1, she was depicted as the series’ villain due to her frequent removal from the #MomTok group chat and alienation from other influencers. However, during Season 2, Leavitt actively sought to reconcile with the group, largely succeeding, though Mikayla Matthews remained unswayed. Leavitt, 32, had also been previously rumored as a potential "Dancing With the Stars" contestant, even posting a suggestive reel on Instagram in May with a DWTS sign, fueling speculation.
Jen Affleck, 26, faced a challenging Season 2, marked by marital difficulties with her husband Zac and arguments with fellow cast members. Her story took a turn when she discovered she was pregnant with her and Zac’s third child, leading to their reconciliation. Despite this, Affleck paused filming due to prenatal depression. At the reunion, she confirmed she was doing much better and was back within the show's fold. Taylor Frankie Paul, a central figure on the show, expressed strong support for Affleck's return to the #MomTok group, emphasizing the importance of mental health and welcoming her back when she's ready.
The announcement of their participation in "Dancing With the Stars" was a significant moment during the reunion. When Nick Viall hinted at a surprise, asking who among the cast wanted it the most, both Whitney and Jen expressed their desire. It was revealed that joining DWTS was Jen’s long-standing dream, and co-stars confirmed she had talked about it "since day one." Whitney, an actual dancer who has danced her whole life, also expressed her desire, initially saying she would be front and center rooting for Jen.
In a dramatic double announcement, Viall first confirmed Jen Affleck’s spot on the show, to much joy and tears. Then, to Whitney’s surprise and elation, he announced she would also be joining Season 34. Both women, overwhelmed with excitement, celebrated the news, with Jen exclaiming, "We’re moving to L.A.!", the show's filming location. While they will be competing against each other, their shared excitement and camaraderie were evident. Jen, presumably, will have given birth to her third child before beginning rehearsals for DWTS.
"Dancing With the Stars" Season 34 is set to air this fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are confirmed to return as co-hosts, alongside main judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. The previous Season 33 achieved notable success, ranking No. 1 among adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day viewing, marking a historic achievement for the series.