Maura Higgins Reflects on Struggles During Disney-Themed Week on DWTS US

Maura Higgins Opens Up About the Brutal Reality of Dancing with the Stars

Maura Higgins has given fans an unvarnished look at what it really takes to survive Dancing with the Stars US, describing her most recent week on the competition as one of the toughest she has faced since the season began. The 35-year-old Love Island star, reporting on her experience via RTE.ie, posted a series of Instagram photos showing herself performing, napping backstage, and receiving an IV drip — a detail that quickly drew attention to the physical toll of the show.

Higgins and her professional partner, Mark Ballas, are among the seven couples still left in the competition, but they narrowly avoided elimination on the latest episode, a Disney on Broadway-themed night. Dressed as Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, the pair performed a jive to “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!” from Peter Pan, earning eight points from each of the four judges for a total of 32 out of 40 — tied for the lowest-scored dance of the evening. 10 Things I Hate About You actress Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa were the couple sent home instead.

“I Was Really Unwell, Running on Very Little Energy”

In her Instagram post, Higgins wrote that she was unwell and struggling to learn two dances at once, but insisted she had given the week everything she had. She wrote that she came into the experience knowing she was not a dancer, performer, or athlete, but wanted to challenge herself and step outside her comfort zone. She added that she is learning, making mistakes, pushing herself, and growing along the way, and that some weeks will be better than others because she is only human. She stressed she was not sharing the post for sympathy or to make excuses, only to show the reality behind the scenes.

Maura Higgins Reflects on Struggles During Disney-Themed Week on DWTS US — Photo: Irish Examiner

Higgins also thanked Ballas, calling him her biggest support throughout the journey and saying his patience, encouragement, and belief in her meant more than he knows. She told her supporters that their kindness gives her the strength to keep going on the harder days. She added that she is grateful to still be in the competition and proud that she kept going even when things felt impossible. She wrote that she loves everything about the show apart from the jive, and ended with “here’s to coming back stronger.”

Support From Ballas, Shirley Ballas, and Molly-Mae Hague

Ballas, who previously appeared with Higgins on The Traitors US, commented on her post, telling her she was doing great and that all she can do is her best. He wrote that he was proud of her for taking on the jive and getting through it the best she possibly could, and that when the show is over he wants her to remember she had a laugh, tried her best, and kept showing up. His mother, Shirley Ballas — head judge on Strictly Come Dancing — also weighed in, writing that a beginner had blossomed into a beautiful dancer. Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague, who appeared alongside Higgins on the show, simply added: “Queen. You’ve got this.”

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According to LMFM, viewers in Ireland are unable to vote on the US version of the show, but Higgins has continued to receive plenty of support from fans back home and thanked them for cheering her on from afar. The Irish Examiner’s coverage likewise noted that Higgins paid tribute to Ireland on the show’s Dedication Week.

From Love Island to the Ballroom

Higgins rose to fame on Love Island in 2019 and has since appeared as a contestant on Dancing on Ice, Cooking with the Stars, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, as well as The Traitors US and Dancing with the Stars. Other celebrities still competing this season include actress Jenna Dewan, Glee actor Harry Shum Jr, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Tatyana Ali.

Higgins’ willingness to show the IV drip and the backstage nap — rather than just the polished performance — gives audiences a rare glimpse of the cost behind the glitter, and her message that showing up and giving your best is enough resonated quickly with fans online.

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