Dylan Efron is stepping onto the ballroom floor with a little extra family pride. The 33-year-old social media personality, who recently won The Traitors, has officially joined the Dancing with the Stars season 34 lineup.
He’ll be partnered with pro dancer Daniella Karagach, and the announcement comes with a sweet twist, it fulfills a dream his mom had years ago.
Speaking with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Sept. 3, Dylan revealed that his mother, Starla Baskett, had once wished for his older brother Zac Efron to compete on the ABC series.
“My mom, her dream was Zac doing the show 20 years ago,” Dylan shared, noting that the show premiered just a year before Zac’s breakout in High School Musical.
“So I’m really excited for my mom to be there.”
The excitement won’t just be for his mom. Dylan added that the entire family, including his dad, little brother, and little sister, will be in the stands cheering him on.
“It’s gonna make me tear up to see them in the stands,” he admitted.
But there may be some friendly competition when it comes to family loyalties.
Zac might have a hard time choosing a favorite this season since pro dancer Britt Stewart, now paired with NBA All-Star Baron Davis, was a principal dancer in all three High School Musical movies.
As for his new partnership with Karagach, 32, Dylan said they’ve already found their rhythm during rehearsals.
“It’s nice though. I think we understand how each other’s brains work when we’re training. We know when we’re tired, we get very distracted, a bit of ADD. It’s been fun,” he explained.
He also shared a playful glimpse into their training dynamic. “It’s a fun mix of, we get hyper-focused and are trying our hardest. And then we’re twerking for 45 minutes.”
With his family’s support and a strong start with his dance partner, Dylan Efron is ready to take on the competition when Dancing with the Stars kicks off later this month.
