Reality television personality Maura Higgins was observed fueling up with a banana while en route to rehearsals for ‘Dancing With The Stars’ in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 35-year-old, known for her appearance on ‘Love Island,’ is reportedly facing accusations of a ‘fix’ from her fellow contestants following her pairing with professional dancer Mark Ballas, son of Shirley Ballas.
‘Fix Row’ Allegations Surface
The pairing of Higgins with Ballas has allegedly caused friction among the show’s cast. Sources suggest that Higgins was particularly keen on being partnered with the popular dancer, even expressing a preference against another professional, Gleb Savchenko, who is reportedly no longer with the show. This alleged influence has led to claims that Higgins is being favored.
Further fueling these claims, Higgins was seen socializing with judge Bruno Tonioli, posing arm-in-arm with him after a night out. This proximity to a judge has not gone unnoticed by her co-stars, who reportedly feel that Higgins is being positioned for success before the competition has even officially begun.
One insider commented, “Maura’s been rubbing everyone up the wrong way, even before their first spray tans have dried. She was desperate to be partnered with Mark, who’s hugely popular, and was dead against Gleb, who’s now out of a job. It’s as if what Maura says goes.” Another source added, “She’s even made sure to get close to judge Bruno Tonioli and wasted no time posing arm-in-arm with him after a night out. It’s not gone unnoticed within the cast that she’s being favoured. It’s as if she’s being set up to win.”
Higgins’ Rehearsal Attire and Demeanor
Despite the brewing controversy, Higgins appeared to be in good spirits as she prepared for her training session. She was dressed in a pair of black hotpants, complemented by a white zip-up sports jacket, black leg warmers, grey sliders, and a large black tote bag. Opting for a makeup-free look, she pulled her dark hair back into a bun. While waiting to enter the rehearsal space, she was seen checking her phone and using a vape.
Financial Incentives
Beyond the competitive aspect, Higgins is reportedly set to receive a substantial financial payout for her participation in the show. Her contract allegedly guarantees her £93,000, even if she is eliminated within the first two weeks. The earnings increase incrementally for subsequent weeks, with additional sums for reaching weeks five, six, eight, and nine, potentially amounting to a significant six-figure sum.
Broader Casting Controversies
The ‘fix’ allegations surrounding Maura Higgins are not the only casting controversy to emerge for the 35th season of ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ Actress Jenna Dewan, known for her role in ‘Step Up,’ has also faced criticism regarding an alleged unfair advantage due to her professional dance background.
Dewan, who began her career as a backup dancer for artists like Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera before starring in ‘Step Up,’ has been accused of having an inherent edge. “Everyone thinks Jenna Dewan has a very unfair advantage because she is a professional dancer. That is how she began her career,” a source stated. “It’s like, ‘Duh, we all know she’s going to win.'”
Addressing these concerns, Dewan clarified her position in an interview, stating, “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages. There’s parts of my dance training that’s helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me.”
Other casting decisions have also reportedly stirred discussion among the cast. Tatyana Ali’s inclusion has raised eyebrows due to her close relationship with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, with whom she starred as siblings in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’
Whispers also circulate about other contestants perceived to have advantages or pre-existing popularity. This includes individuals like Ciara Miller, whose storyline on ‘Summer House’ garnered significant attention, and Maura Higgins herself, who some believe was unfairly eliminated from ‘The Traitors.’ The show’s casting, featuring a mix of personalities and backgrounds, including Julia Stiles, Tyler Cameron, and Harry Shum Jr., appears to be a topic of ongoing conversation among the participants.
Conclusion
As ‘Dancing With The Stars’ gears up for its 35th season, the spotlight is not only on the dance floor but also on the behind-the-scenes dynamics. Maura Higgins’ arrival is marked by both anticipation for her performance and controversy surrounding her perceived advantages. Alongside other contestants facing similar scrutiny, the season promises a blend of competitive spirit and interpersonal drama.
