Maura Higgins Opens Up About ‘Toughest’ Week on Dancing With the Stars US

Maura Higgins has opened up about what she called one of the “toughest” weeks of her run on the US version of Dancing with the Stars, revealing she was unwell and required an IV drip while rehearsing for the latest episode. The 35-year-old Love Island star from Longford and her professional partner Mark Ballas narrowly avoided elimination on Monday’s Disney on Broadway-themed installment, the Press Association reported.

In an Instagram post shared with followers, Higgins wrote that she’d been “really unwell, running on very little energy and trying to learn two dances,” but had “given it absolutely everything I had.” The post included photographs of her performing, napping backstage, and with an IV drip in her arm. “I’m not sharing this for sympathy or to make excuses, but simply to share a little of the reality behind the scenes,” she wrote, the Irish Independent reported. Higgins, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2019, added that she’s “so grateful to still be here,” rte.ie noted.

Higgins and Ballas Tie for Lowest Score With Jive to Peter Pan Song

On the latest episode, Higgins and Ballas — who previously appeared together on The Traitors US — performed a Jive to “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!” from Peter Pan on Disney on Broadway Night. The couple earned 32 points out of 40, with all four judges awarding them eight points each, tying for the lowest-scored dance of the evening. However, actress Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa were sent home instead, leaving seven couples in the competition, LMFM reported.

Partner Mark Ballas and Mother Shirley Praise Higgins’ Progress

Ballas commented on Higgins’ post, writing: “You’re doing great friend. All you can do is your best. I was proud of you for taking the jive on & for getting through it the best you possibly could… Keep going till the wheels come off.” His mother, Shirley Ballas — head judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing — added: “A beginner that has blossomed into a beautiful dancer. Keep going, you are doing great.” Fellow Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague commented: “Queen. You’ve got this,” the Irish Examiner reported.

Higgins thanked her supporters, writing: “To everyone who continues to support me, encourage me and cheer me on, please know how much it means. You genuinely give me the strength to keep going, especially on the harder days.”

Higgins’ Reality Television Career Since Love Island 2019

Since rising to fame on Love Island in 2019, Higgins has appeared on Dancing on Ice, Cooking with the Stars, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Traitors US and now Dancing with the Stars, rte.ie reported. Other celebrities competing this season include actress Jenna Dewan, Glee actor Harry Shum Jr. and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air‘s Tatyana Ali.

Questions About Higgins’ Dancing With the Stars Run

Can viewers in Ireland vote for Higgins? No. According to LMFM, viewers in Ireland are unable to vote on the US version of Dancing with the Stars, though Higgins has continued to receive support from fans back home.

Did Higgins reference Ireland during the show? Yes. The Irish Examiner reported that Higgins paid tribute to Ireland during the competition’s Dedication Week.

Higgins closed her Instagram post by writing: “I really do love everything about this show (apart from the Jive hehe). Here’s to coming back stronger.”

More on Dancing: Dancing with the Stars couples reach quarterfinals as no one leaves