Is Jenna Dewan Leaving The Rookie? The Truth About Bailey Nune and DWTS Season 35
Fans of the hit ABC drama The Rookie are buzzing with excitement—and a bit of anxiety. With the announcement that Jenna Dewan is joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) Season 35, a major question has surfaced: Will she have to say goodbye to her beloved role as Bailey Nune?
For those who have followed Jenna’s journey, this move feels like a homecoming. Long before she was patrolling the streets of Los Angeles, Dewan was a professional dancer, even serving as a backup dancer for the legendary Janet Jackson. She later skyrocketed to fame in the 2006 cult classic Step Up. Now, she is stepping back into the spotlight on the dance floor starting September 15, 2026.
The Big Question: Is Jenna Dewan leaving The Rookie?
As The Rookie gears up for its ninth season, viewers were worried that the rigorous rehearsal schedule of Dancing With the Stars would force Dewan to exit the series. However, the actress has put those fears to rest.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Jenna revealed that she is not leaving the show. Instead, she is taking on the ultimate multitasking challenge. In an Instagram video shared on September 2, she explained:
“I’m doing both at the same time,” she shared. “They’re being amazing. They’re all so excited for this opportunity, and they’re really working it out between the two productions.””
While she admits that bouncing between the high-intensity filming of The Rookie and the demanding rehearsals for DWTS might be “slightly insane,” she is embracing the challenge with open arms.
A Potential Crossover: Val Chmerkovskiy on Mid-Wilshire?
Adding to the excitement, Jenna’s DWTS partner, Valentin “Val” Chmerkovskiy, has expressed a keen interest in visiting the world of The Rookie. When asked about a potential cameo, Val called it a “no-brainer,” leaving fans hopeful for a special appearance.
Jenna teased that her castmates are already eager to have him on set, mentioning that they would likely want him to teach the squad some professional dance moves!
Heartwarming Support from the Mid-Wilshire Station
One of the most touching aspects of this transition has been the unwavering support from her colleagues. The cast of The Rookie took to social media to cheer her on. Stars including Nathan Fillion, Eric Winter, Melissa O’Neil, and Alyssa Diaz sent love and encouragement ahead of the two-night premiere.
Why fans are excited for this season:
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- Full Circle Moment: Seeing Jenna return to her dance roots after years of acting.
- Dynamic Duo: The chemistry between Jenna and Val Chmerkovskiy.
- Double the Talent: Getting to see Bailey Nune on screen and Jenna Dewan on the dance floor simultaneously.
You can catch Jenna Dewan on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, premiering September 15 on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the next day on Hulu. As for Bailey Nune, don’t worry—she’ll still be right where she belongs in the heart of the action on The Rookie!
