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Maura Higgins on Dancing with the Stars US

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2026-09-24 01:05 UTC → 2026-09-29 03:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Television personality Maura Higgins was announced as a contestant for season 35 of Dancing with the Stars US, paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas. The pairing followed reports of tension regarding Higgins’ preference to avoid certain partners due to their public statements. Higgins made her debut on the program with a Traitors-themed Foxtrot, earning 21 out of 30 points and placing at the top of the leaderboard. During the performance, a prop Hermès Birkin bag was used in the choreography, while an authentic bag was presented to Higgins in the audience by Rob Rausch, a former competitor from The Traitors US. ~~In subsequent competition, Higgins discussed the emotional and mental pressures of the show, stating she felt “overwhelmed and physically exhausted” during rehearsals.~~ Following a three-day preparation period for a cha-cha, Higgins and Ballas earned 19 out of 30 points, placing second in their episode. Higgins noted she felt “overwhelmed and physically exhausted” during rehearsals. Other contestants, such as Ciara Miller, have also ~~noted~~ discussed the ~~unexpected~~ psychological impact of the competition, citing stage fright and anxiety despite prior reality television experience. As the season progresses, reports suggest producers may have misjudged the frontrunners. While initial expectations favored Jenna Dewan and Jackson Olson, both have allegedly underperformed. Conversely, Higgins and Ezra Frech have emerged as unexpected standout performers, with Higgins being described as a “dark horse no one saw coming.”

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