Maura Higgins praised for DWTS dance dedicated to Ireland

Maura Higgins paid tribute to Ireland on Dedication Week on Dancing with the Stars US.

Maura Higgins has impressed both judges and fans alike with her Dedication Dance on this week’s Dancing with the Stars US.

The former Love Island and The Traitors star danced the Paso Doble with her professional dance partner Mark Ballas in what was a tribute to her home country and Irish roots.

The spectacle saw Higgins take to the dance floor donning a green bodysuit, the trail of which featured the Irish flag.

The high-energy dance was performed to Dropkick Murphys' I'm Shipping Up to Boston and featured special guest dancer Lucky Howard, a six-time world champion Irish dancer.

The performance earned Higgins and Ballas a standing ovation, as well as praise and high scores from the judges — an impressive 35 out of 40.

In a behind-the-scenes clip of Higgins and Ballas preparing for dedication week, Higgins says: “I really want to dedicate it [my dance] 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.” 

“I miss my family and friends, so that’s why I’m doing it for them,” Higgins says on camera.

Higgins is also seen reading a message from Michael Flatley, who assured her he was sending one of his very best dancers from Lord of the Dance to help the pair out.

Back home, friends, family and fans flooded Higgins’ social media with praise for her performance, including fellow former Love Islanders Molly Mae and Lana Jenkins, podcast host and social media personality Luke Hamnett, Irish blogger Bonnie Ryan, and hair stylist Frankie Calire.