Reality television star and presenter Maura Higgins debuted on the American dance competition series by taking the top spot on the women’s leaderboard, according to reports from RTÉ.ie, EVOKE, and Extra.ie. Competing in the 35th season of the program, Higgins performed a Traitors-themed Foxtrot to Alannah Myles’s “Black Velvet” alongside professional partner Mark Ballas, as reported by Extra.ie.
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas Top Leaderboard on DWTS Debut
According to Extra.ie, Maura Higgins and her professional partner Mark Ballas earned a score of 21 out of 30 from the judges during their first appearance on the dance floor. The routine paid homage to the reality series where Higgins and Ballas first met. Audience support for the debut included fellow series co-stars Rob Rausch and Lisa Rinna, with Rausch also providing a notable accessory for the evening—a Birkin bag that caught viewer attention, as noted by Page Six.
Following the performance, Higgins admitted to Extra.ie that she had never danced before and did not consider herself a performer. “I am in shock too,” Higgins said, according to Extra.ie. “But I have worked hard and my God is he a good teacher because if I was him I would slap me and I am deadly serious.”
Fan Reactions and Online Response
Social media users shared widespread surprise and enthusiasm regarding the performance, according to Extra.ie curation of online reactions. Viewers took to X to express astonishment at the routine, with one user writing, “OMG she went waaaay beyond my expectations? I fully thought she was gonna be average?? Mark Ballas, really is hands down the best coach.”
Other contestants joining the 16-celebrity lineup for the current season include Summer House participant Ciara Miller, Olympic figure skater Amber Glen, Hanson frontman Taylor Hanson, and actress Jenna Dewan, as reported by Extra.ie.
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