Maura Higgins Returns to DWTS Rehearsals After Painful Neck Injury
The reality star, despite a recent injury that left her in agony, was seen smiling and heading to dance rehearsals.
Maura Higgins has returned to Dancing With The Stars rehearsals, maintaining a positive demeanor despite a recent neck injury that caused significant pain. Higgins, 35, was observed arriving at the studios on Friday, appearing cheerful as she prepared to continue in the competition.
The Irish reality star wore an all-black ensemble, including a long-sleeved shirt, leggings, and athletic shoes. This appearance marks a notable comeback after she experienced an agonizing neck injury that reportedly worsened as the competition intensified.
Higgins, a popular contestant on the current season of the US television show, has been receiving high scores for her performances with professional partner Mark Ballas. However, footage from a recent rehearsal showed her in distress, writhing on the floor as medics attended to her neck.
During practice for a Tango routine set to Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)," Higgins was seen wincing and holding her neck. The pain eventually became severe enough for her to cry out and fall to the floor, prompting immediate attention from Ballas and a medic.
"I've been having this like twinge in the left side of my neck," Higgins explained, expressing concern that the injury was escalating and could potentially jeopardize her live performances.
Despite the injury, Higgins delivered a strong performance during Super Bowl Night, earning a Tango routine score of 33 out of 40. Judges praised her elegance, with Bruno Tonioli calling it "thrilling from start to finish." Carrie Ann Inaba noted the beauty of the performance but suggested some movements could be more sharply defined. Derek Hough complimented the routine but pointed out a moment where Higgins' neck movement may have compromised her posture.
Higgins later provided an update on her condition, acknowledging the persistent neck pain that had been bothering her for several weeks. She credited the show's physiotherapist, Dr. Gina Minchella, for her assistance and stated she was focusing on stretches and self-care to manage the issue.
At the conclusion of Super Bowl Night, Higgins and Ballas secured second place on the leaderboard, trailing Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy, who achieved a season-high score. Paralympian Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach also tied for the top spot. The episode, however, saw the elimination of Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson, who had the lowest score of the night.