Irish reality television star Maura Higgins is set to light up the ballroom as she joins the upcoming season of "Dancing With The Stars." Her dance partner has been revealed as Mark Ballas, son of "Strictly" icon Shirley Ballas. This announcement comes with a twist, as Higgins has openly expressed her reluctance to be paired with fellow professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, sparking a conversation about professional conduct and personal loyalties.
Reality Star Maura Higgins Steps Onto the "Dancing With The Stars" Stage Amidst Controversy
Los Angeles, California - On September 2, 2026, the full cast for season 35 of "Dancing With The Stars" was unveiled, featuring a lineup of celebrities ready to compete for the coveted mirrorball trophy. Among them is Maura Higgins, widely known for her time on "Love Island" and her recent appearance on the U.S. version of "Celebrity Traitors." Higgins will be partnered with acclaimed professional dancer Mark Ballas, a familiar face to fans of the show and son of dance legend Shirley Ballas.
Higgins confirmed her participation and partnership on Instagram, sharing a vibrant photo of herself and Ballas in dazzling pink attire, captioned "TEAM TINK." Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fellow "Love Island" stars, including Amber Davies and Tasha Ghouri, who extended their well wishes for her new venture. The excitement surrounding Higgins' debut was further amplified by a public sighting of her enjoying an evening out with "Dancing With The Stars" judge Bruno Tonioli, signaling a warm reception from the show's panel.
However, Higgins' journey to the dance floor has not been without its early drama. She openly stated her preference against being paired with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, citing his past comments regarding women, particularly his former dance partner and Higgins' friend, Brooks Nader. Savchenko, in response, downplayed the remarks, claiming he was unfamiliar with Higgins and dismissing her comments as an attempt to generate headlines.
The star-studded cast for season 35 includes a diverse group of personalities, each paired with a professional dancer: Julia Stiles with Ezra Sosa, Jenna Dewan with Val Chmerkovskiy, Tatyana Ali with Jan Ravnik, and Taylor Hanson with Britt Stewart. Other notable pairings include Ezra Frech with Daniella Karagach, Amber Glenn with Pasha Pashkov, Connor Wood with Rylee Arnold, Sarah Jane Nader with Hailey Bills, Tyler Cameron with Sharna Burgess, Giada De Laurentiis with Alan Bersten, Harry Shum Jr. with Jenna Johnson, Conner Leavitt with Adele Zaikman, Guillermo Rodriguez with Witney Carson, Ciara Miller with Brandon Armstrong, and Jackson Olson with Emma Slater. Maura Higgins, paired with Mark Ballas, arrives at the Los Angeles dance studio radiating enthusiasm, dressed impeccably in a black leather ensemble, ready to embrace the challenge.
The narrative surrounding Maura Higgins' entry into "Dancing With The Stars" offers an intriguing look into the world of competitive reality television. Her forthrightness about her preferences for a dance partner, specifically her aversion to Gleb Savchenko due to his controversial past remarks about women, highlights the growing importance of personal values and solidarity within the entertainment industry. It suggests that even in a highly publicized competition, participants are not merely performers but individuals with ethical stances that can influence public discourse. This situation prompts a reflection on the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their personal histories on their professional relationships. It also underscores how reality television, beyond mere entertainment, can become a platform for broader discussions on respect and accountability.
