Maura Higgins has paid a heartfelt tribute to Ireland on the latest episode of Dancing With The Stars, earning her highest score of the competition so far.
The Longford woman dedicated her Paso Doble to her home country during Dedication Night on the US version of the show, wearing a tricolour-inspired outfit as she took to the dance floor with her professional partner, Mark Ballas.
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Speaking during rehearsals, Higgins explained why she wanted to dedicate the performance to Ireland, despite viewers back home being unable to vote for her.
“I really want to dedicate it to Ireland,” she told Ballas.
“Because even though they can't vote for me, I can still feel the love and support, even though we're here thousands of miles away.”
Higgins also admitted that she missed her family and friends and hoped they would be proud of her performance.
“I can't let Ireland down, that's for sure,” she said.
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The former Love Island star received some special encouragement ahead of the performance from Irish dancing legend Michael Flatley, who sent her a message of support and arranged for one of his Lord of the Dance performers, Lucky Howard, to join her in rehearsals.
“Maura, the whole of Ireland is so proud of you,” Flatley said in his message.
Michael Flatley. Image credit Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock.
Higgins later explained how growing up in Ireland had shaped her determination to succeed.
“Growing up in Ireland, we had to work hard to get where we are. So that's definitely pushed me and it's given me the fight,” she said.
“And tonight, I'm so proud to show that real fighting Irish spirit.”
Her Paso Doble was performed to I'm Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys and featured Higgins showcasing her Irish dancing skills alongside Ballas and Howard.
The routine ended with a standing ovation, with the judges praising her energy and obvious pride in her roots.
Guest judge Kym Johnson told Higgins: “Maura, I felt your love of Ireland in every move that you did.”
“It was passion, it was power, it was pride. You made me feel like I want to go to an Irish pub with you and do an Irish tea or something!”
Bruno Tonioli was equally enthusiastic, declaring: “The Pride of Ireland – unleashed!”
The judges awarded Higgins and Ballas a total of 35 points out of 40, with Carrie Ann Inaba giving them eight points and Derek Hough, Johnson and Tonioli each awarding them nine. It was Higgins' highest score of the series to date.
Maura Higgins. Photo credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru, Shutterstock
Following the performance, Higgins was asked what she wanted to say to the people watching the show in Ireland, with the presenter jokingly referring to those watching without an official broadcast.
“Thank you for watching illegally!” she replied.
“They've been so supportive, and I know they can't vote, but I always feel their love and support no matter what I do, so honestly doing this for them was just such an honour. I'm just so happy.”
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Higgins also shared an emotional tribute to Ireland on Instagram, reflecting on how proud she was of her background and the support she had received from home.
“I'm so proud to come from a little country with such a big heart. The kindness, the humour, the strength of our people and the way we always show up for one another is something I'll never take for granted,” she wrote.
She also encouraged young Irish women with big ambitions to pursue their dreams, regardless of where they come from.
“And to every little country girl out there with big dreams, never let where you come from make you feel like there's a limit to where you can go. If anything, let it be the reason you dream even bigger.”
Concluding her message, Higgins added: “I'll always be your Irish girl, and I really hope I make you proud.”
There were no eliminations on this week's episode of Dancing With The Stars, but a double elimination is scheduled for next week.
