With Danny and Evan TV exclusive Connor Wood reveals first impression of ‘DWTS’ partner Rylee Arnold, details ‘intense’ rehearsal schedule By Samantha Nungesser Published Sep. 2, 2026, 3:29 p.m. ET Connor Wood is coming for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The internet personality, known online as Fibula, will compete on Season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars” alongside pro dancer Rylee Arnold.
“This was a pipe dream for me,” Wood, 30, told Page Six Radio co-hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real. “You don’t say no to ‘Dancing With the Stars.'”
Wood also detailed the exact moment he found he would be partnered with Arnold, 21, for her fourth season as a pro on the dance competition series.
“I would’ve been stoked with anyone; I love everybody on the team,” he shared. “But seeing [Arnold], it’s just like, ‘OK, we’re gonna be OK.'”
Although Wood’s “dance experience” going into this venture has been limited to wedding dance floors, he told us he’s been “shocked” by how much he’s already learned in ballroom rehearsals.
“I’m surprising myself a lot with practice,” he said. “All we’ve done is train. You practice every single day. I’m really shocked by the progress.”
Still, Wood admitted that rehearsals have been intense.
“Parts of me are sore that I didn’t know could get sore,” he quipped.
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In fact, the podcaster said he often leaves practice “drenched” in sweat and “defeated” — which, according to him, is a stark contrast to fellow contestant Maura Higgins, who “looks like she stepped out of a billboard” following her rehearsals with pro Mark Ballas.
Wood rose to fame amid the COVID-19 pandemic by posting comedic videos on his TikTok page, which has since amassed more than 900K followers.
In 2022, he launched his podcast, “Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast,” with content creator Brooke Averick.
In 2024, Wood began performing live stand-up sets on his “Fib & Friends Tour,” which has sold out more than 70 shows. He has also opened up for veteran comedians like Tiffany Haddish and Bill Burr.
Wood joins a star-studded lineup of contestants for Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars,” which also includes Ciara Miller, Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Tyler Cameron and more.
The all-new season kicks off with a two-night premiere airing Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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