A 5 per cent audience increase for Dancing With The Stars in 2025 has given Seven Network a compelling reason to continue the hit series.
The season concluded with a Grand Finale on Monday night, in which Home and Away actor Kyle Shilling was awarded the Mirror Ball Trophy following a live viewer vote. The finale attracted an average national total TV audience of 937,000, representing a 5 per cent increase compared to the 2024 finale, and reached 1.81 million Australians.
Across the full season, Dancing With The Stars 2025 achieved an average national total TV audience of 922,000, also up 5 per cent on the previous year. 7plus reported its audience for the program had increased by 58 per cent year-on-year.
Despite recent media speculation regarding the program’s future, TV Blackbox understands the Seven Network is keen to proceed with an additional season in 2026. While the show is a relatively costly format to produce, DWTS has a proven abilitlty to deliver strong ratings and cross-promotional benefits for the network.
A final decision regarding the 2026 season, based on casting potential and production expenses, is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
The latest season was hosted by Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown, with the judging panel comprised of Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Richey, Sharna Burgess and Mark Wilson. The celebrity cast featured Brittany Hockley, Felicity Ward, Harry Garside, Karina Carvalho, Kyle Shilling, Mia Fevola, Michael Usher, Osher Günsberg, Rebecca Gibney, Shaun Micallef, Susie O’Neill and Trent Cotchin.
Seven’s Group Managing Director, Television, Angus Ross, said:
“Dancing With The Stars proved once again why it is a family favourite, attracting a bigger audience year-on-year thanks to its star-studded line up of brave and talented celebrities.
“We’ve got the winning dancing combo, with our dynamic and passionate judging panel of Craig, Helen, Sharna and Mark, and outstanding hosting from Sonia and Chris.
A big thank you to everyone involved in making this year’s season such a success, and congratulations to Kyle Shilling on your great win.”
Seven’s National Television Sales Director, Katie Finney, added:
“Dancing With The Stars continues to go from strength to strength each year, captivating 7.6 million Australians this year alone.
“The show consistently delivers entertaining dance numbers, broad family appeal and strong audience engagement, making it a proven performer for Seven and our partners alike.”
The program is produced by BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, based on a format created by the BBC and distributed by BBC Studios.
It needs to return as this show is amazing and please have Todd Mckenney back judging.
Looking forward to new series
Its funny how no one watched it on Ten, but watch it on seven.
Martin Marapas If it was on 7, why would you watch it on 10?
Better judging system needed
More judging the dancing than someone being “entertaining.?”
Only qualified judges NOT the audience who are just spectators
Put it back on regular TV so we can watch it!!!!!