Maura Higgins, best known for her appearance on The Traitors, has been announced as the first celebrity contestant for the upcoming 35th season of Dancing with the Stars. The 35-year-old Irish TV star will join fellow Faithful and DWTS professional Mark Ballas in the ballroom.
Mark Ballas, 40, shared his advice for Maura ahead of her debut, telling HELLO! at the 79th Tony Awards: 'Just enjoy it.' He explained that the experience goes by quickly and emphasised the importance of trusting the pro and having fun. Ballas praised Maura's outgoing nature, saying she is 'up for it,' which he considers half the battle.
So far, only two other contestants have been revealed: Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson and Summer House star Ciara Miller. A release date for the new season has not yet been announced, but it is expected to premiere in the autumn.
Ballas, who also competed on The Traitors, expressed interest in returning for an All Stars season, ideally as a Traitor or recruited. He will next appear in the spin-off Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro alongside his mother, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, premiering on July 13.
