Maura Higgins Conquers America: The Irish Sensation Manifests Her Dancing With The Stars Dream and Hints at Reality Television Retirement
When it comes to navigating the treacherous, unpredictable, and highly competitive waters of reality television, very few individuals have managed to chart a course quite as spectacularly successful as Maura Higgins. From the moment she confidently strutted into the Love Island villa back in the summer of 2019, it was abundantly clear that the fiercely unapologetic Irish beauty possessed a rare, magnetic star quality. She was not just another fleeting face in the crowded landscape of modern celebrity; she was a bona fide phenomenon in the making. Now, as we navigate through 2026, the Longford native has firmly cemented her status not just as a British television darling, but as a genuine, transatlantic sensation. In a move that has sent shockwaves of excitement through her millions of devoted fans, Maura has officially confirmed that she is crossing the pond to take on one of the most gruelling, prestigious, and glamorous challenges in the entertainment industry: she is joining the cast of the colossal American television juggernaut, Dancing with the Stars.
The announcement, which had been the subject of feverish speculation and intense online rumour mills for weeks, was finally made official in the most spectacular fashion imaginable. Appearing on the deeply beloved American morning staple Good Morning America, the thirty-four-year-old television personality looked every inch the Hollywood superstar as she shared the monumental news with the world. Sitting down for an exclusive and highly animated interview with ABC News anchor Diane Macedo, Maura could hardly contain her sheer delight and palpable nervous energy. For a woman who has spent the last seven years completely dominating the reality television circuit, this particular gig feels distinctly different; it feels like the ultimate culmination of years of relentless hard work, strategic career moves, and a healthy dose of cosmic manifestation.
“I manifested this,” Maura declared to the American public, her signature infectious enthusiasm shining brightly through the television screen. “I’m so excited. Get me on that dancefloor. I want to win the trophy. Please pray for me.” Her heartfelt admission that she had actively visualised and willed this specific opportunity into existence speaks volumes about her unwavering ambition. Landing a coveted spot on the thirty-fifth season of Dancing with the Stars—a show that has previously boasted a wildly eclectic roster of global icons ranging from Kim Kardashian and Pamela Anderson to Olympic legend Simone Biles and Hollywood actress Zendaya—is an unequivocal testament to her rapidly ascending star power in the United States. She is no longer just the witty, scene-stealing bombshell from a British dating show; she is a formidable, highly bankable talent who commands international attention.
However, conquering the American ballroom will be no easy feat, and Maura is acutely aware of the daunting challenge that lies ahead. The United States version of the beloved dancing franchise is notoriously rigorous, demanding gruelling, bone-aching rehearsal schedules, unparalleled physical endurance, and the ability to perform flawlessly under the blinding glare of millions of expectant viewers. While she may exude a legendary, unflappable confidence in her everyday life, the prospect of learning complex Latin and Ballroom routines from scratch has understandably left her feeling slightly apprehensive. She candidly confessed that the entire experience is completely outside of her traditional comfort zone, but true to form, she is resolutely determined to tackle the intimidating process head-on.
Her journey to this monumental American stage has been nothing short of a spectacular, highly unpredictable rollercoaster ride. When she first burst onto our television screens as a fiercely confident bombshell on the fifth series of Love Island, she instantly captivated the nation with her utterly unapologetic attitude and razor-sharp Irish wit. She famously refused to settle for anything less than she deserved, providing viewers with an incredibly refreshing, empowering display of modern female independence. Following her phenomenal success in the famous villa, she expertly leveraged her newfound, massive fame, securing lucrative, high-profile collaborations with major global fashion and beauty brands, ultimately becoming the prestigious face of MAC Cosmetics in the UK and Ireland. Her relentless work ethic and immense, undeniable popularity subsequently led her to the terrifying, bug-infested Australian jungle for the wildly popular I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2024. In the jungle, she further endeared herself to the British public by tackling horrifying, stomach-churning Bushtucker Trials with a hilarious mixture of sheer terror and grim, unwavering determination, proving she was far more than just a glamorous, heavily manicured reality star.
Interestingly, Maura is not walking completely blindly into this dazzling, sequin-studded new world in America. Her spectacular, widely praised stint on the massive American reality competition The Traitors US earlier this year—where she navigated a complex web of deceit and psychological warfare to ultimately finish as the runner-up to winner Rob Rausch—provided her with a crucial, powerful network of high-profile friends. Among her new inner circle is none other than the legendary reality television veteran and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Lisa Rinna. Rinna, who bravely competed on the second season of Dancing with the Stars and understands the immense physical and emotional toll the show takes on its contestants, was one of the very first people to reach out to the Irish star following the official announcement.
Maura warmly revealed the touching details of their exchange, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their time in the Scottish Highlands for The Traitors. “She messaged me immediately,” Maura shared with a bright smile. “She was like, ‘I’m so proud of you, you’re gonna have the best time.’ I was like, ‘give me all the advice, I’m gonna need it!’ I love Lisa, she’s been a massive support to me ever since, and I just know she’ll come and support me as well.” Having the backing of established American television royalty like Rinna will undoubtedly provide Maura with a comforting anchor as she immerses herself in the uniquely intense, high-pressure bubble of Los Angeles-based reality television production.
As the highly anticipated premiere date approaches, the rampant speculation surrounding which professional dancer will have the immense privilege of guiding Maura towards the iconic Mirrorball trophy has reached a fever pitch. Never one to shy away from expressing her exact desires, Maura has already publicly identified her absolute dream partner. During her promotional appearances, she has explicitly named the incredibly talented, multi-award-winning professional dancer Mark Ballas as the man she desperately wants by her side. Ballas is deeply revered within the Dancing with the Stars fandom for his wildly innovative, theatrical, and boundary-pushing choreography. Pairing his exceptional creative genius with Maura’s fiery, uninhibited passion and natural stage presence would undeniably create an absolutely explosive, utterly captivating dynamic that would dominate the competition. Fans across social media platforms have already begun campaigning for the partnership, eagerly visualising the spectacular, show-stopping routines the duo could potentially produce.
Despite her monumental success and the adoration of millions, Maura remains remarkably grounded and beautifully self-deprecating about her competitive track record. While she has starred in some of the biggest television shows on the planet, she hilariously noted that she has a somewhat tragic history when it comes to actually taking home the top prize. “If I could get to the finale, I’d be over the moon,” she admitted with refreshing honesty. “Obviously, I’d love to win—I’ve never won a show. I’ve never won anything apart from the free Birkin!” she joked, referencing a luxurious designer handbag she acquired during her time on The Traitors. “Obviously it’d be a dream to win, but I mean, I don’t know about that. It’s hard to tell, because I don’t know what to expect, and it’s completely out of my comfort zone but I’ll hope for the best.”
This charming humility, heavily juxtaposed with her fierce, undeniable ambition, is precisely what makes her such a compelling and widely relatable public figure. Audiences inherently root for her because, beneath the glamorous designer wardrobe and the striking red carpet appearances, she remains the exact same witty, straight-talking, and endearingly genuine woman who first captured our hearts all those years ago.
Her upcoming stint in the American ballroom is a far cry from her previous experiences on the ice. British television audiences will vividly remember her courageous appearance on the grueling ITV series Dancing on Ice back in 2020. Partnered with professional skater Alexander Demetriou, Maura showcased a fierce determination and a commendable work ethic, ultimately making it all the way to week seven before being eliminated in a tense skate-off. While the ice provided a terrifying, physically demanding challenge fraught with the constant danger of injury, the ballroom floor presents an entirely different set of complex artistic and technical demands. It requires a level of emotional vulnerability, rhythmic precision, and sheer theatricality that will force her to dig deeper than ever before.
The timing of this incredible transatlantic career milestone could not be more perfect. Over the past twelve months, Maura has methodically and successfully transitioned from a traditional reality television contestant into a highly respected presenter and a bona fide Hollywood ‘It Girl’. Her stunning, show-stopping appearance at the Golden Globes in January, where she exuded classic, timeless Hollywood glamour, firmly established her as a major player on the international social scene. Furthermore, her highly praised presenting roles, including her widely celebrated stint hosting the immensely popular Love Island USA: Aftersun, have proven her undeniable capability to command a massive live audience with effortless charm, sharp wit, and professional grace.
However, amidst the swirling excitement and the joyous celebrations of her latest incredible achievement, Maura dropped a significant, bittersweet bombshell that has left her devoted fanbase feeling a profound sense of melancholy. In a remarkably candid and reflective interview with the prominent US news outlet Bustle, she strongly hinted that her time in the competitive reality television trenches may finally be drawing to a definitive close. “I’ve wanted it so bad for so long and it was the only other show I wanted to do as a contestant,” she revealed, detailing the surreal, heart-stopping moment she received the life-changing phone call from her agent.
Then came the revelation that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry: “After Dancing With The Stars, I think I’m probably done. I mean, never say never… but it’s the only other show on my vision board, contestant-wise.”
If this spectacular American adventure does indeed mark her final bow as a reality show competitor, it represents the poignant end of an absolutely extraordinary, era-defining chapter in modern television history. Since 2019, she has consistently delivered some of the most memorable, highly quoted, and iconic moments across a vast multitude of massive shows, from the scorching heat of the Love Island villa and the terrifying heights of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! jungle, to the psychological warfare of The Traitors. She has entertained, provoked, and delighted audiences in equal measure, cementing a unique and lasting legacy that few reality stars ever manage to achieve.
As she meticulously prepares to trade her casual attire for heavily sequined ballgowns, incredibly high heels, and rigorous daily spray tans, the entire world will be watching with bated breath. The upcoming thirty-fifth season of Dancing with the Stars, set to premiere this Autumn on the ABC network and available for immediate streaming on Hulu, promises to be a spectacular, unmissable television event. Maura Higgins is standing firmly on the precipice of international superstardom, entirely ready to embrace the punishing physical grind, the dazzling theatrical glamour, and the fierce, unforgiving competition. Whether she ultimately lifts the coveted Mirrorball trophy or not, she has already achieved the seemingly impossible. She has bravely crossed the Atlantic, unequivocally conquered the hearts of the American public, and proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that a girl from County Longford can genuinely take over the world, one spectacular dance step at a time.
