Julia Stiles gets surprise message from former co-stars ahead of 'DWTS' premiere
Julia Stiles received a warm welcome to the season 35 cast of "Dancing with the Stars" Wednesday morning when she was surprised with a sweet message of encouragement from a few former co-stars.
Stiles joined "Good Morning America" on Wednesday alongside her fellow "DWTS" cast members to celebrate the news that they would be competing in the 35th season of the show, premiering this month.
The upcoming competition aligns with the 25th anniversary of Stiles' film "Save the Last Dance," which premiered back in January 2001.
Stiles' former "Save the Last Dance" co-stars Kerry Washington and Sean Patrick Thomas sent a video message Wednesday, congratulating Stiles on the new gig.
"I have known since our days on set for 'Save the Last Dance' that you truly know your way around the dance floor, but now the whole world gets to see you in action," Washington said in a video message played on "GMA."
"Honestly, the competition better watch out, because I know that you have some slammin' moves up your sleeves," she added.
Thomas also shared a message of support for Stiles.
"Julia, congratulations ... I had a front-row seat the last time you undertook a similar challenge in 'Save the Last Dance,' and from what I remember, you got into Juilliard, so I know you're gonna kill it," Thomas said in the video message, referencing the plot of the 2001 film.
Stiles opened up on "GMA" Wednesday, explaining how excited she was to be joining "DWTS" season 35.
"It's my Tuesday Night Football," Stiles said. "I am truly obsessed with the show. I have been for over a decade."
She continued, "It's been a secret dream of mine to be here, and I was always just too scared to say yes, until now."
Stiles joins the season 35 cast alongside several other big names, including dancer and actress Jenna Dewan; actress and singer Tatyana Ali; musician Taylor Hanson, figure skater Amber Glenn; chef, TV personality, and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis; TV personality Guillermo Rodriguez; and more.
"DWTS" season 35 will debut with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, and will stream the next day on Hulu.
See the celebrities competing on "DWTS" season 35 below along with each of their pro dance partners here.
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