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Maura Higgins says she is regrouping after what she called a “tough” week on Dancing with the Stars, following a Disney-themed routine that left her and partner Mark Ballas near the bottom of the judges’ scores. The Longford native narrowly avoided elimination and has promised to return stronger.
Disney night and the scores
Dressed as Tinkerbell opposite Ballas as Captain Hook, Higgins performed a Jive to the song “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!” on Monday’s Disney on Broadway night. Judges awarded the couple eight points each, a combined total of 32 out of 40.
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The result left them near the foot of the leaderboard, but they were not sent home. Actress Julia Stiles, known for 10 Things I Hate About You, was the one eliminated that night.
What went wrong — and her reaction
Higgins said the week had been one of the hardest of the series. She revealed she had been unwell and running on low energy while learning two dances.
Sharing images of herself resting on a sofa and receiving fluids through an IV, she wrote that she entered the show knowing she was not a trained dancer or athlete, but wanted to push herself and give the experience her best shot. “I’m learning, I’m making mistakes, I’m pushing myself, and I’m growing along the way,” she added.
Support from her partner and fans
Higgins paid tribute to Ballas, calling him her biggest support and thanking him for his patience and encouragement during a difficult spell. She said she could not have asked for a better partner through the process.
Although viewers in Ireland cannot vote on the show, Higgins noted the moral support she has received from home. She thanked fans for their messages, saying their encouragement helps her through the tougher moments.
Looking ahead
Higgins acknowledged some weeks will be stronger than others and emphasised she was not seeking sympathy, only being honest about the behind-the-scenes reality. She promised to keep giving her all — and joked that the Jive remains her least favourite part of the competition.
