Maura Higgins will partner with three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars in the US, reuniting the former co-stars after they appeared together on reality television earlier this year. According to ABC and Good Morning America, the Longford television personality joins a celebrity lineup for season 35 of the hit competition, with the full cast unveiled on Wednesday.
Building on Reality TV Chemistry
Higgins and Ballas share an established rapport from their time filming the fourth season of The Traitors US earlier this year. According to statements given to Elle by Higgins, the pair forged a close friendship inside the Scottish castle that extended beyond the television cameras. Their off-screen bond relied heavily on a mutual appreciation for movement and rhythm.
“Me and Mark were dancing all the time,” Higgins told Elle earlier this year, adding that despite much of their downtime not making the final edit, their connection remained strong. “Even my whole friendship with Mark, none of it was aired. I still am so close with Mark.”
Did you know? Maura Higgins finished as the runner-up on season four of The Traitors US earlier this year. Her background in performance also includes competing on Dancing on Ice in 2020 and studying Irish dancing as a child.
Stiff Competition on Season 35
Ballas brings substantial pedigree to the pairing as one of the franchise’s most decorated professional dancers, having secured three Mirrorball trophies. Beyond his tenure as a competitor, Ballas recently expanded his role in the ballroom ecosystem by serving as a judge alongside his mother, Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, on the spin-off series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.
Higgins will face a competitive roster when the show returns. According to the cast reveal on Good Morning America, fellow celebrity contestants confirmed for the new season include actors Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr, and Tatyana Ali, alongside celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn.
Premiere Details and Schedule
ABC has scheduled the return of the ballroom competition for mid-September. The program kicks off with a two-night premiere event broadcast across the US on September 15 and September 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maura Higgins dancing with on Dancing with the Stars?
Maura Higgins is paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas for season 35 of the US competition.
How do Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas know each other?
The pair met earlier this year while filming the fourth season of The Traitors US, where they formed a close friendship based on a shared love of dancing.
When does the new season of Dancing with the Stars premiere?
The show begins with a two-night premiere event on September 15 and September 16.
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