Maura Higgins had a night to remember on Dancing with the Stars on US TV, wearing a tricolour-themed dress as she dedicated her Paso Doble to Ireland – and receiving her highest score of the series to date.
It was Dedication Night this week, and Higgins was determined to fly the flag on ABC Television in the US.
In rehearsals, when her professional dance partner, Mark Ballas, asked who she wanted to dedicate their performance to, Higgins replied: “I really want to dedicate it to Ireland.”
“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,” the Longford woman continued.
“I miss my family and friends, so that’s why I’m doing it for them,” she said in her interview before the performance.
“I just hope they’re very proud of me.
“I can’t let Ireland down, that’s for sure.”
“I’m so proud to show that real fighting Irish spirit”
During rehearsals, Higgins received a message from Michael Flatley that read: “Maura, the whole of Ireland is so proud of you.
“I’ve sent along one of my very best dancers from Lord of the Dance, Lucky [Howard].”
“Hopefully, you can bring some luck to my dance!” said Higgins when she met the six-time world champion Irish dancer.
Higgins explained to viewers: “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.
“And tonight, I’m so proud to show that real fighting Irish spirit.”
“The Irish would say, ‘I’m allowed to do what I want in this dance!'” she joked to Ballas at the end of rehearsals.
“I really want to dedicate it to Ireland. 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”
On the night, the Paso Doble to the Dropkick Murphys’ I’m Shipping Up to Boston featured Higgins Irish dancing with Ballas and Howard – and it ended with a standing ovation.
Guest judge Kym Johnson, a two-time Dancing with the Stars champion, said: “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!” Johnson continued.
“It was so good,” she concluded.
Judge Bruno Tonioli said: “I got my Guinness in my hand! It hit you like a storm in the Irish Sea. The Pride of Ireland – unleashed!”
“Careful with your shoulder line and the Spanish line. I know it’s an Irish Paso Doble, but I still have to have… you know what I’m talking about,” he continued.
“Fabulous!” Tonioli concluded.
After the judges – completed by Derek Hough and Carrie Ann Inaba – delivered their verdicts, Higgins was asked what she wanted to say “to everyone watching illegally in Ireland right now”.
“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.”
Carrie Ann Inaba gave the performance an eight; Derek Hough scored it a nine; Kym Johnson awarded the couple another nine, as did Bruno Tonioli, for a total of 35 points.
It was the highest score in the competition for Higgins to date.
There were no eliminations on this week’s show. There will be a double elimination next week.