Maura Higgins is competing on the 35th season of Dancing with the Stars, joining a 16-celebrity lineup that includes actors, athletes, musicians, television personalities and fellow reality stars. ABC lists Higgins as a contestant paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas on its official cast page.
The casting announcement was made ahead of the season premiere, but Higgins is drawing fresh attention as viewers revisit the new season and search for information about the cast, partners and voting process.
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Who is Maura Higgins partnered with on DWTS?
Higgins is partnered with Mark Ballas, a returning professional dancer and three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner. ABC’s official cast page identifies Ballas as Higgins’ professional partner for season 35.
The pairing also carries a connection from Higgins’ recent reality television career. ABC describes her as a television personality, host and creator who recently finished as runner-up on NBC’s The Traitors. Ballas also appeared in that wider reality-TV orbit before returning to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom.
Maura Higgins’ reality television background
Higgins first became widely known through the British version of Love Island, where she was a finalist in 2019. She later worked as a presenter connected to the Love Island USA franchise and appeared on Love Island Games.
Her profile expanded again through The Traitors, followed by appearances on major U.S. entertainment programs and events. ABC’s biography also notes her work as a host and creator, along with brand partnerships and a social-media following of more than six million.
Before entering the U.S. ballroom competition, Higgins also had some dance-related experience. Earlier coverage of her casting noted that she competed on the British series Dancing on Ice in 2020 and had done Irish dancing as a child.
What Higgins has said about the competition
In an interview released before the premiere, Higgins said the advice from Ballas was to enjoy the experience and be herself. Ballas similarly encouraged her to take the opportunity and let her personality show through the performances.
That approach is especially relevant in a format where contestants are assessed not only on technical execution but also on performance, partnership and audience support. Higgins entered the competition with a large international fan base, giving her a strong connection with viewers beyond the ballroom.
When did Dancing with the Stars season 35 begin?
Season 35 opened with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The episodes aired live on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available through Hulu afterward.
The season includes 16 celebrity contestants. Other participants listed by ABC include Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Shum Jr., Tyler Cameron, Taylor Hanson, Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech and Ciara Miller.
Bruno Tonioli remains part of the judging panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as hosts.
How DWTS voting works
Voting is conducted during live episodes through the official Dancing with the Stars voting platform. ABC’s voting page allows viewers to cast votes for eligible couples while the live voting window is open.
Voting availability and deadlines can vary by episode, so viewers should check the official ABC voting page during the broadcast rather than relying on old instructions from previous seasons.
Why Maura Higgins is trending
The current attention around Higgins appears tied to several overlapping factors: her inclusion in the season 35 cast, her partnership with Ballas, the opening-night performances and interest in how viewers can support their preferred couples.
For Canadian viewers, the show’s availability across ABC and Disney+ makes the season accessible through the same live U.S. broadcast schedule, subject to local platform availability. Higgins’ international reality-TV profile also gives the season a recognizable name for audiences who may know her from Love Island or The Traitors.
For now, Higgins’ main storyline is the competition itself. Her progress will depend on the judges’ scores, audience voting and the couple’s ability to develop their routines as the season continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maura Higgins paired with on Dancing with the Stars?
Maura Higgins is paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas for season 35.
When did Maura Higgins join the DWTS cast?
She was first announced as one of the season 35 celebrities in April 2026, before the full cast was revealed in September.
What is Maura Higgins known for?
She is known for appearing on Love Island, hosting roles connected to the Love Island USA franchise and competing on The Traitors.
When did Dancing with the Stars season 35 premiere?
The two-night premiere aired on September 15 and September 16, 2026.
Where can viewers vote for Maura Higgins?
Viewers should use the official Dancing with the Stars voting platform during the live voting window announced by ABC.
Fact-Checked: Key casting, partner, premiere, judging and voting details were checked against ABC’s official Dancing with the Stars pages and related first-party materials.
Disclaimer: Voting rules, broadcast access and episode availability may change during the season, so viewers should confirm current details through ABC’s official platforms.