Maura Higgins Debuts on 'Dancing With the Stars' Amid 'Fix' Rumors

Maura Higgins made a strong debut on "Dancing With the Stars" on Wednesday, securing the top spot on the leaderboard with her professional partner Mark Ballas. The pair performed a foxtrot inspired by the reality competition series "The Traitors," to which Higgins was a runner-up last year.

Following her performance, Higgins expressed surprise at her high score, noting her lack of prior dance experience. "I am in shock too," she stated. "But I have worked hard and my God is he [Mark] a good teacher... I do not know how you have that patience because I couldn't do it."

Higgins' performance was supported by "Traitors" co-stars Rob Rausch and Lisa Rinna. Rausch, who famously won the prize money from Higgins in the finale of "The Traitors," was seen in the audience holding a Birkin handbag, a gift he had promised her. Rinna praised Higgins, calling her performance "fabulous" and expressing pride in her accomplishment.

However, Higgins' pairing with Ballas, the son of judge Shirley Ballas, has reportedly led to accusations of a "fix" among some of her fellow contestants. Sources claim Higgins was determined to dance with Ballas and expressed a preference against another professional dancer, who is now reportedly out of a job. Allegations suggest Higgins has been seeking favor, including posing with judge Bruno Tonioli, leading to perceptions that she is being favored to win.

Despite the controversy, Higgins has stated her focus is on delivering a strong performance. Prior to the show, she acknowledged the pressure but committed to giving her all. She also described the physical demands of the competition, noting the intensity and the blisters, but expressed enjoyment in the process.