TV personality Maura Higgins is opening up about her experience on Dancing With the Stars so far, offering fans a candid look at the realities of competing on the hit show. The Season 25 contestant, who has been paired with dance pro Mark Ballas, recently took to social media to share her thoughts on what she described as the “toughest” week she has encountered in the ballroom.
“This week was definitely one of the toughest I’ve had so far. I was really unwell, running on very little energy and trying to learn two dances, but I gave it absolutely everything I had,” Higgins shared in a post that featured her in the Tinker Bell costume she wore for the show's Disney Night. She emphasized that while she entered the competition knowing she was not a professional dancer, performer, or athlete, her goal was to push past her comfort zone. “I’m learning, I’m making mistakes, I’m pushing myself and I’m growing along the way,” she added.
Finding Strength Through Adversity
Higgins noted that she is fully aware that some weeks will inevitably be better than others, and she has made peace with that reality. “I’m not sharing this for sympathy or to make excuses, but simply to share a little of the reality behind the scenes! Sometimes all you can do is show up, give everything you have and be proud of yourself for trying!”
The Love Island alum was quick to credit her partner, Mark Ballas, for being her biggest supporter throughout her Dancing With the Stars journey. “His patience, encouragement and belief in me, especially during such a difficult week, mean more than he knows. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better person to share this experience with.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Higgins expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to continue competing. “I’m so grateful to still be here, to be learning and to have this opportunity. I’m proud that I kept going, even when things felt impossible, and I promise I’ll keep giving it everything I’ve got!” she said, adding with a laugh that she loves everything about the show, “apart from the Jive.”
Higgins and Ballas performed the jive to Peter Pan’s “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!” during Disney Night on Nov. 2. While the duo earned a 32 out of 40 score, placing them at the bottom of the Week 8 leaderboard, Higgins remains focused on the future. “Here’s to coming back stronger,” she concluded.