The reviews are rolling in as Maura Higgins made her Dancing with the Stars debut overnight.
The reality star and TV presenter is part of a 16-celebrity line-up for the 35th season of the American version of the dancing competition.
The Longford lady took to the floor with professional dance partner — and Traitors co-star — Mark Ballas.
Paying homage to the show they met on, the pair danced a Traitors-themed Foxtrot to Black Velvet by Alannah Myles.
Maura was also supported by her fellow Traitors co-stars Rob Rausch and Lisa Rinna in the audience.
At the end of the night, it was Maura and Mark who topped the women’s leaderboard with a score of 21 out of 30 from the judges.
Reacting after, Maura admitted she had ‘never danced’ and was ‘not a performer.’
‘I am in shock too,’ she admitted. ‘But I have worked hard and my God is he [Mark] a good teacher because if I was him I would slap me and I am deadly serious.
‘I do not know how you have that patience because I couldn’t do it.’
The reviews rolled in online, many of which took to X to detail their surprise at Maura’s performance.
‘WAITTTT WTF MAURA HIGGINS ATE THE HOUSE DOWN BOOTS,’ one said. ‘OMG she went waaaay beyond my expectations? I fully thought she was gonna be average?? Mark Ballas, really is hands down the best coach.
‘GREAT SONG CHOICE, GREAT DANCE, GREAT PARTNERSHIP.’
WAITTTTTTT WTF MAURA HIGGINS ATE THE HOUSE DOWN BOOTS MAWMA???
OMG she went waaaaaaaaay beyond my expectations? I fully thought she was gonna be average??? Mark Ballas really is hands down the best coach. GREAT SONG CHOICE, GREAT DANCE, GREAT PARTNERSHIP!!!#DWTS pic.twitter.com/NecS0fHhO4
— Johann (@johanntimkang) September 17, 2026
Another said: ‘I have no idea who Maura Higgins is but I f*cking love her already. #DWTS.’
A third said: ‘MAURA HIGGINS I TINK U HAVE MY VOTES.’
Other stars that took to the dance floor overnight include Summer Houses’ Ciara Miller, Olympic figure skater Amber Glen, Hanson frontman Taylor Hanson and actress and dancer Jenna Dewan.
I have no idea who Maura Higgins but I fucking love her already. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/cYjP5Ky9To
— Erika (@erikaxtc) September 17, 2026
MAURA HIGGINS I TINK U HAVE MY VOTES #DWTS pic.twitter.com/U4oWYH89n1
— reem (@fallnstrs) September 17, 2026
