Maura Higgins has shared images of herself hooked up to an IV drip as she detailed the "reality" of competing on the American series Dancing with the Stars. The 35-year-old Love Island star, paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas, is one of seven couples left in the competition.
Lowest-scoring dance of the evening
Higgins and Ballas, who previously appeared together on The Traitors US, narrowly avoided elimination during the most recent episode. Their jive to You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! from Peter Pan on Disney on Broadway Night tied for the lowest-scoring dance of the evening, earning 32 points out of 40 with all four judges awarding eight points each.
Actress Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa were the couple eventually sent home.
Higgins opens up about difficult week
Sharing a series of photos on Instagram, including one with an IV drip in her arm, Higgins wrote: "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."
She added: "I came into this experience knowing I wasn’t a dancer, a performer or an athlete, but I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone and give something completely new my absolute best & that’s exactly what I’m trying to do every single week. I’m learning, I’m making mistakes, I’m pushing myself and I’m growing along the way!! Some weeks will be better than others, and that’s okay. I’m only human."
Higgins continued: "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!!"
She thanked her partner Mark Ballas, describing him as her "biggest support" throughout the journey, and expressed gratitude to those supporting her, saying: "You genuinely give me the strength to keep going, especially on the harder days."
Support from Ballas and others
Mark Ballas commented on the post: "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. When this show is over & you look back on this experience all I want is for you to remember is that you had a laugh, tried your best & kept showing up. I’m proud of you. Keep going till the wheels come off."
His mother Shirley Ballas, who acted as a guest judge on the show last week, also offered support, writing: "A beginner that has blossomed into a beautiful dancer. Keep going, you are doing great." Friend Molly-Mae Hague added: "Queen. You’ve got this."
Other celebrities currently competing on Dancing with the Stars include actress Jenna Dewan, Glee actor Harry Shum Jr and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s Tatyana Ali.
