Jenna Johnson is used to competing against family on Dancing With the Stars, but she misses having sister-in-law Peta Murgatroyd in the ballroom.
“She’s incredible,” Johnson, 31, told Us Weekly exclusively after the season 34 cast was officially announced on Wednesday, September 3. “But she’s killing it. … I’m so, so happy and proud of her.”
Johnson also acknowledged that Murgatroyd, 39, has a full house at home with husband and fellow former DWTS pro Maks Chmerkovskiy. (The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, share sons Shai, 8, Rio, 2, and Milan, 13 months.)
Fans of the ballroom dance competition were surprised on Wednesday when a few familiar faces weren’t included on the list of pros vying for the mirrorball trophy. Along with Murgatroyd, longtime DWTS favorite Sasha Farber was noticeably absent from the lineup.
Which ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pros Didn’t Return for Season 34?
Farber, 41, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, gushing that there are “so many good names” in the group. “Thank you all so much for all your incredible messages. I read them all, I see it all, I adore you. I definitely don’t deserve you because you guys are amazing. I love you. Thank you so much,” he continued, adding that viewers are in for “quite the season” despite his absence.
Murgatroyd — who last appeared on DWTS during season 32 with partner Barry Williams — also shared her initial thoughts about the cast ahead of the show’s milestone 20th year. “I’m so excited. … The cast is stacked,” she said in a video shared via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, predicting that “a lot” of the competitors will excel.
“Dylan Efron, I wanna see if that guy can dance,” she added, teasing, “If he can dance, everyone’s in trouble.”
Along with Zac Efron‘s younger brother, season 34 features Elaine Hendrix, Robert Irwin, Jordan Chiles, Danielle Fishel and more. Johnson is paired with actor Corey Feldman, while her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, is competing with influencer Alix Earle.
While Johnson is currently the reigning champ of the ballroom after winning season 33 with former Bachelor Joey Graziadei, she doesn’t feel any extra pressure to repeat her victory this year.
Everything to Know About ‘DWTS’ Season 34: Celebs, New Pros and More
“I think every season is new as a clean slate, especially with different partners that you’re given, and I am so passionate about giving each partner the best experience possible,” she told Us on Wednesday. “So this is a different journey. I’m obviously so grateful for last year and the win, but this is new. This is different. My intentions are different, so I’m excited.”
She continued, “I just want Corey to feel the best and on the dance floor. Like, I want him to enjoy dancing with a partner. This is something so new for him, and so I just want to give him the confidence that he deserves.”
Dancing With the Stars premieres on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET and will stream the following day on Hulu.
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes. Join the league for free today!
