The ballroom has birthed a new Hollywood power couple. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Dancing with the Stars community, Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber have officially confirmed their romantic relationship. Following weeks of digital breadcrumbs and coy social media interactions, the pair chose late April 2026 to "hard launch" their love story to the world.
The confirmation comes at a pivotal time for both stars. While 41-year-old Sasha Farber is navigating life as a single man following high-profile relationships within the DWTS circuit, 37-year-old Janel Parrish is currently moving through a significant life transition. The Pretty Little Liars actress recently announced her split from husband Chris Long, marking the end of a decade-long chapter.
Are Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber dating?
Yes, Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber confirmed their relationship on April 27, 2026. The Dancing with the Stars pro posted an Instagram 'hard launch' featuring photos of the couple kissing, captioned 'April has been amazing.' This follows Parrish's separation from husband Chris Long earlier that month.
The 'Hard Launch': Sasha Farber and Janel Parrish Go Instagram Official
The transition from "just friends" to "Instagram official" culminated on April 27, 2026, when Sasha Farber shared a definitive photo dump. The carousel of images featured the Russian-Australian heritage dancer and the Hawaii-born actress in several intimate poses. One particularly poignant shot showed Parrish planting a kiss on Farber’s cheek, while another captured the two cozying up during a private dinner with Parrish's dog.
Farber’s caption was simple yet evocative: "April has been amazing," punctuated with a red heart and a rose emoji. Parrish was quick to validate the sentiment, commenting, "Yes it has," accompanied by a white heart and a crown emoji. This public declaration served as the final confirmation fans had been seeking after a month of intense speculation.
The Dancing with the Stars family immediately flooded the comments with support. Judge Derek Hough playfully asked, "Is this a Hard Launch?" while former pros like Peta Murgatroyd and Sharna Burgess expressed their joy. Murgatroyd even joked about a wedding invite, signaling that the relationship has the full blessing of the tight-knit ballroom community. Even Val Chmerkovskiy, Janel's former partner from Season 19, has been a silent supporter of the duo's growing bond.
The Studio City Sighting: Paparazzi Capture First Public PDA
While the Instagram post was the official word, the visual proof arrived just 24 hours earlier. On Sunday, April 26, the couple was spotted at the Studio City Farmers Market in Los Angeles. Dressed in casual weekend attire—Parrish in leggings and a relaxed top, Farber in a simple tee—the two made no effort to hide their affection from onlookers.
Witnesses observed the pair sipping coffee while strolling through the stalls. At various points, Farber kept a protective arm around Parrish’s shoulders, and the two were seen holding hands while chatting animatedly. This Studio City Farmers Market outing was a strategic move; by appearing in such a public, family-oriented space, the couple signaled that they were no longer interested in hiding their connection behind "showmance" rumors.
Janel Parrish and Chris Long: The End of a 10-Year Chapter
The timing of the Janel Parrish Sasha Farber romance has raised eyebrows due to its proximity to Parrish’s divorce news. On April 10, 2026, Parrish took to her Instagram Stories to announce a joint petition for divorce from her husband, Chris Long. The couple had been together for 10 years, including seven years of marriage following their 2018 wedding in Waikane, Hawaii.
"After 10 beautiful years together, including seven years of marriage, Chris and I made the difficult decision to end our marriage. There is still so much love and respect between us, and I’m deeply grateful for everything we built together." — Janel Parrish via Instagram
Legal experts note that the filing of a "joint petition" typically suggests an uncontested and amicable split, where both parties have already agreed on the division of assets and terms of the separation. Unlike many Hollywood divorces that devolve into tabloid fodder, the Janel Parrish Chris Long split appears to be handled with the same grace Parrish has maintained throughout her career as a Hallmark Channel star. While fans have wondered if Chris Long has a new partner, he has remained entirely out of the public eye, maintaining his privacy as a non-celebrity spouse.
Sasha Farber's Dating History: From Emma Slater to Jenn Tran
Sasha Farber is no stranger to the complexities of dating within the entertainment industry. The Dancing with the Stars pro was famously married to fellow pro Emma Slater. The two married in 2018 but separated in 2022, with their divorce being finalized in 2024. Despite the split, the two have remained professional colleagues on the show, a testament to Farber's ability to maintain healthy boundaries post-breakup.
Following his marriage, Farber was linked to Bachelorette star Jenn Tran during Season 33 of DWTS. Their chemistry was a highlight of the season, and they reportedly dated for nearly a year before splitting in June 2025. Farber’s history suggests a pattern of finding deep connections with his creative partners, a common phenomenon in the high-intensity environment of competitive dance.
A Comparison of Careers and Backgrounds
- Janel Parrish: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she rose to fame as Mona Vanderwaal on Pretty Little Liars. She is a seasoned musical theater performer and a staple of the Hallmark Channel. Her net worth in 2026 is estimated at $4 million.
- Sasha Farber: A Russian-Australian dancer who won the Australian Latin Championships twice before the age of 17. Standing at 5'7", he has been a mainstay on DWTS since Season 17.
The 'Soft Launch' Timeline: Every Hint Leading Up to the Reveal
The Sasha Farber girlfriend rumors didn't start with the kiss; they were carefully choreographed over three weeks in April. For those following closely on TikTok and Instagram, the signs were everywhere:
- April 8: The "Parking Lot" TikTok. Parrish posted a video joking that she "ran into" Farber in a parking lot. The playful banter and Farber's caption—"She's still got it"—sparked the first wave of "shipping" from fans.
- April 21: The Shirtless Salsa Lesson. Parrish shared footage of a private dance session where a shirtless Farber was teaching her salsa. The physical proximity and laughter in the video made it clear this was more than a professional rehearsal.
- April 24: The Piano Mystery. Farber posted a photo of a woman playing the piano in his home, with her face obscured. Sleuths on Reddit quickly identified the jewelry and hair as belonging to Parrish.
- April 26: The Farmers Market outing.
- April 27: The official "Hard Launch" photo dump.
The Psychology of the 'DWTS' Romance
Why do Dancing with the Stars professionals so frequently end up dating celebrities? Psychologists suggest that the "showmance" phenomenon is fueled by the "misattribution of arousal." The physical exertion, the intimacy of touch, and the shared goal of performance create a bonding experience that mimics years of traditional dating in just a few weeks.
While some skeptics on X (formerly Twitter) have labeled this a "rebound" for Parrish following her 10-year relationship, others point to the long-standing friendship between the two. Parrish and Farber have known each other since her Season 19 run in 2014. This decade of friendship provides a much sturdier foundation than a typical reality TV fling, suggesting long-term potential rather than a temporary distraction.
Key Takeaways: The Parrish-Farber Romance
- Official Status: Confirmed via Instagram on April 27, 2026.
- Legal Status: Janel Parrish and Chris Long filed a joint petition for divorce in early April 2026.
- First Sighting: Hand-holding and PDA at the Studio City Farmers Market.
- Celebrity Support: Major DWTS figures including Derek Hough and Peta Murgatroyd have publicly cheered for the couple.
- Historical Context: The two have been friends since Parrish's appearance on DWTS Season 19 in 2014.
Conclusion: A New Rhythm for the Future
As Janel Parrish and Sasha Farber move forward, they do so with the eyes of the world on them. For Parrish, this represents a brave new chapter after the dissolution of a decade-long partnership. For Farber, it is a chance at a fresh start with someone who understands the grueling demands of his profession. Whether they will dance together in the upcoming 2026 season of Dancing with the Stars remains to be seen, but for now, they are perfectly in sync off the dance floor.
The transition from a Janel Parrish divorce to a high-profile DWTS romance 2026 has been handled with a level of transparency that fans appreciate. By leaning into the "hard launch" and being open about their "amazing April," Parrish and Farber have taken control of their own narrative, turning a period of personal upheaval into a celebration of new beginnings.
