Maura Higgins has reportedly sparked tension among her competitors on the upcoming season of 'Dancing With The Stars' with allegations that the show is "fixed" for her to win. The reality television personality was seen arriving for rehearsals on Thursday, as claims surface that her casting and partnerships have ruffled feathers before the competition has officially begun.
Higgins, 35, who gained prominence on 'Love Island' and later 'The Traitors US,' is partnered with Mark Ballas, the son of 'Dancing With The Stars' judge Shirley Ballas. The pairing has drawn scrutiny, particularly after Higgins was seen socializing with another show judge, Bruno Tonioli. Sources close to the show have suggested that Higgins's connections have led to preferential treatment.
"Maura’s been rubbing everyone up the wrong way, even before their first spray tans have dried," a source told The Sun newspaper. "She was desperate to be partnered with Mark, who’s hugely popular, and was dead against Gleb, who’s now out of a job. It’s as if what Maura says goes."
Further fueling the controversy, co-stars allege that Higgins has actively sought proximity to Tonioli, with one insider stating, "She’s even made sure to get close to judge Bruno Tonioli and wasted no time posing arm-in-arm with him after a night out. It’s not gone unnoticed within the cast that she’s being favoured. It’s as if she’s being set up to win."
Higgins and Ballas have a prior connection, having met on the set of 'The Traitors US' in early 2026. This familiarity, combined with Higgins's stated desire not to be partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko, has added to the perceived favoritism. Higgins had publicly stated her reluctance to work with Savchenko due to disagreements over his perceived in his past comments about women and a desire to remain loyal to her friend Brooks Nader, a former 'Dancing With The Stars' contestant who had a past relationship with Savchenko.
Savchenko has since responded to Higgins's comments, asserting that he had never heard of her and would not be concerned by the opinion of someone he does not know. He stated, "It's odd to publicly attack someone you've never even met, but if that's how she wants to make headlines before the show starts, that's her choice. I'll stay focused and leave the unnecessary drama to everyone else."
Amidst these reported tensions, Higgins's career continues to expand in the United States. She has been confirmed as the host for a reboot of the dating show 'Blind Date.' Her casting in this role has been met with enthusiasm, with Disney+ EMEA content head Angela Jain describing Higgins as the "perfect match" for the show due to her humor and reality television experience.
Higgins's television career trajectory includes her initial appearance on 'Love Island' in 2019, followed by hosting duties on 'Love Island US: Aftersun' and her role in 'The Traitors US.' Her involvement in 'Dancing With The Stars' is set to be followed by filming the 'Blind Date' reboot later this year.