Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas Reunite for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars
The Longford television personality is pairing up with the three-time Mirrorball champion after forming a close bond on the fourth season of The Traitors US earlier this year.
Maura Higgins Trades The Traitors Castle for the DWTS Ballroom With Pro Mark Ballas
The competition kicks off with a two-night premiere in the US on September 15 and 16. Higgins was previously confirmed as part of the celebrity roster, but her professional partner remained secret until revealed on Good Morning America.
The duo already share an established rapport. Both appeared on the fourth season of The Traitors US earlier this year, where Higgins finished as runner-up. Speaking to Elle earlier this year, Higgins explained that their off-screen friendship blossomed through a shared passion for movement. Me and Mark were dancing all the time,
she told Elle. Even my whole friendship with Mark, none of it was aired. I still am so close with Mark.
Rebuilding Trust in the Ballroom After Reality TV Betrayal
As E! Do you know what?
she told E! News. This is actually a really nice show because I can actually put trust in.
Like, I can trust Mark fully because he’s the professional.
Ballas humorously leaned into their shared history during the exchange. Imagine if you’d have trusted me on Traitors,
he quipped, prompting Higgins to reply, It’s too late! It’s too late, Mark.
Ballas then joked, You might not have the Birkin.
Inside the Rehearsal Studio and Season 35 Lineup
Ballas recalled speaking with Higgins during their time filming The Traitors, where she initially mentioned wanting to try out for Dancing with the Stars. I was like, “Maura, you can’t make it through a 45-minute challenge; how are you going to make it through ten hours of rehearsal?”
Ballas noted to PEOPLE. He also shared a TikTok video showing early rehearsal stumbles, capturing a moment where Higgins tripped over her own feet and hit the floor.
Ballas brings an extensive pedigree to the partnership. The 40-year-old dancer and choreographer from Houston, Texas, is the son of competitive ballroom dancer Corky Ballas and Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas. He joined Dancing with the Stars in 2007, securing three titles alongside celebrity partners Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio. Higgins, who previously competed on Dancing on Ice in 2020 and has a background in childhood Irish dancing, joins a star-studded season 35 cast. The lineup features Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr, Tatyana Ali, chef Giada De Laurentiis, and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn.
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