Longford’s Maura dances her way to the top of DWTS leaderboard!
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Ballymahon star Maura Higgins topped the DWTS leaderboard with pro partner Mark Ballas on the first night of the competition
Ballymahon’s Maura Higgins made a sensational start to her Dancing With The Stars US journey, topping the leaderboard on the opening night.
Maura and her professional partner Mark Ballas scored 21 out of 30 for their foxtrot which they performed to the song, Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet, with all three judges awarding the pair sevens.
Their score of 21 placed them at the top where they remained as undefeated leaders when the show finished!
The routine had a strong Traitors theme, with pro dancer Mark emerging from a coffin carrying Maura’s famous burgundy Hermès Birkin bag before throwing it into the audience.
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The Birkin later appeared in the audience alongside Maura’s former Traitors co-stars Rob Rausch and Lisa Rinna, with Maura’s voting details attached to the bag.
Rob famously betrayed Maura during The Traitors earlier this year, before later making amends by gifting her the Birkin, with Lisa Rinna helping him with the surprise.
The judges were full of praise for Maura’s first performance, with Carrie Ann Inaba calling it “mesmerizing”, Bruno Tonioli described her as a “foxy Traitor”, while Derek Hough said the routine was “smooth as velvet.”
High praise from three of the best in the business.
Maura and Mark finished the night with the highest score, giving the Ballymahon star the best possible start to the show.
The performance also had a last-minute twist, with Mark’s wife BC Jean stepping in to sing Black Velvet live after the original singer was unavailable due to an appearance on America’s Got Talent.