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Maura Higgins got candid about her most difficult week on Dancing With the Stars yet.
“This week was definitely one of the toughest I’ve had so far,” Higgins, 35, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, November 3, following Disney Night. “I was really unwell, running on very little energy and trying to learn two dances, but I gave it absolutely everything I had❤️.”
Higgins offered a glimpse into what challenged her, adding, “I came into this experience knowing I wasn’t a dancer, a performer or an athlete, but I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone and give something completely new my absolute best & that’s exactly what I’m trying to do every single week.”
The reality star noted that she is still “learning” when it comes to performing.
“I’m making mistakes, I’m pushing myself and I’m growing along the way!!” she continued. “Some weeks will be better than others, and that’s okay. I’m only human🥹.”
Higgins and partner Mark Ballas performed a jive to “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!” from Peter Pan during the Monday, November 2, episode of the ABC show. The couple put on a memorable show before being awarded 32 out of 40, which placed them at the bottom of the leaderboard on week 8.
“I’m not sharing this for sympathy or to make excuses, but simply to share a little of the reality behind the scenes! Sometimes all you can do is show up, give everything you have and be proud of yourself for trying!!” Higgins wrote. “A special thank you to my incredible partner @markballas who has been my biggest support throughout this journey. His patience, encouragement and belief in me, especially during such a difficult week, mean more than he knows. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better person to share this experience with❤️.”
The Love Island alum made it clear that she is pushing herself in the final three weeks of the season.
“To everyone who continues to support me, encourage me and cheer me on, please know how much it means. You genuinely give me the strength to keep going, especially on the harder days. Your kindness never goes unnoticed🙏🏻,” she added. “I’m so grateful to still be here, to be learning and to have this opportunity.”
Higgins concluded: “I’m proud that I kept going, even when things felt impossible, and I promise I’ll keep giving it everything I’ve got!! I really do love everything about this show (apart from the Jive hehe) @dancingwiththestars. Here’s to coming back stronger❤️.”
The emotional message comes after Higgins spoke to Us about facing setbacks.
“[The dances] are all hard,” the Traitors alum said on Monday. “To be honest, I’m just glad I got through it. I’m really glad I got through it because yesterday I couldn’t. And then I might have had a better dress run than the live. But that’s OK because at least I didn’t stop and give up.”
Higgins was proud of how she “kept going,” saying, “At the end, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I did it.’ Because I’m telling you now, there were so many moments this week where I was like, ‘I can’t go out there and do it.’”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
