MAURA Higgins has revealed she was secretly battling a nasty illness last week which affected her performance on Dancing With The Stars and nearly cost her dearly.
to the next round after Julia Stiles was sent home following the dance-off.
Mark Ballas this series, had a rare off-week and has now revealed she was left running on empty after a gruelling week that saw her hooked up to an IV drip.
She wrote on Instagram: “This week was definitely one of the toughest I’ve had so far. I was really unwell, running on very little energy and trying to learn two dances, but I gave it absolutely everything I had.
“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. I’m learning, I’m making mistakes, I’m pushing myself and I’m growing along the way!!”
Maura branded her jive ‘Tinker Hell’ a nod to her Peter Pan-inspired outfit on the night.
She ended the programme with an overall total of 68 out of 80 – the lowest combined mark of the night.
Maura insisted she didn’t want sympathy or to make excuses but she wanted to let fans into the reality of what was happening behind-the-scenes.
She thanked Mark for supporting her and being patient as well as fans for cheering her on through the hard times and the good.
“I’m so grateful to still be here, to be learning and to have this opportunity,” Maura added. “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).”
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, who is Mark’s mum, commented: “A beginner that has blossomed into a beautiful dancer. Keep going , you are doing great.”
Maura’s Love Island bestie Molly-Mae Hague said: “Queen. You’ve got this.”
While Mark joined the comments and said: “You’re doing great friend. All you can do is your best. I was proud of you for taking the jive on & for getting through it the best you possibly could. When this show is over & you look back on this experience All I want is for you to remember is that you had a laugh, tried your best & kept showing up. I’m proud of you. Keep going till the wheels come off.”
