Maura Higgins,a former Love Island star, has joined the 35th season of Dancing With The Stars in Los Angeles. Her partnership with professional dancer Mark Ballas has triggered accusations of favoritism among the cast and crew.
The Mark Ballas pairing and the 'set up to win' rumors
The decision to pair Maura Higgins with Mark Ballas, the son of coach Shirley Ballas, has reportedly created a rift within the Dancing With The Stars ensemble. According to the report, some co-contestants and crew members believe Higgins is being unfairly advantaged, with insiders claiming she is being "set up to win" the competition.
Tensions have allegedly been high since the beginning of rehearsals. A source cited in the report suggests that Higgins has "been rubbing everyone up the wrong way," specifically noting her strong preference for Mark Ballas over other potential partners like Gleb. This perception of preferential treatment was further amplified when Higgins was seen walking arm-in-arm with judge Bruno Tonioli after a night out.
A £93,000 floor for the first two weeks
Beyond the interpersonal drama , the financial stakes for Maura Higgins are substantial. As reported by the source, Higgins is guaranteed a six-figure paycheck starting at £93,000, regardless of whether she is eliminated within the first two weeks of the competition.
The payment structure for the 35th season of Dancing With The Stars scales upward as contestants survive longer in the competition. Participants receive an additional £7,000 for reaching the third and fourth weeks, followed by £11,000 for week five and £20,000 for week six. Those who make it to weeks eight and nine see an extra £22,000 per week, a high rate that reflects the show's peak-season revenue and the value of maintaining high-profile stars in the public eye.
Jenna Dewan's 'Step Up' background and the fairness debate
The controversy over casting extends beyond Maura Higgins to other high-profile participants like Jenna Dewan. Because Dewan has a professional dance background, including a role in the film Step Up, some observers have alleged that she possesses an unfair advantage over non-professional dancers.
In response to these claims, Jenna Dewan has stated that ballroom dance is a separate skill set from her previous experience. However, the report notes that other contestants—including Julia Stiles, Tyler Cameron, Harry Shum Jr, and Tatyana—have also been linked to front-stage members, such as Tatyana's connection to Alfonso Ribeiro. These relationships have fueled theories that "star power" and existing industry connections are being prioritized over a balanced competitive field.
Is the 'anti-Gleb' drama a promotional script?
A central question remains whether the friction surrounding Maura Higgins is organic or a calculated narrative produced by the show's promotional machinery. While the report highlights the "anti-Gleb" sentiment and the whispers among the cast regarding impartial judging, it is unclear if these conflicts are being amplified to drive viewership for the streaming broadcast.
Furthermore , the source does not provide a response from Mark Ballas or Gleb regarding the alleged casting disputes. Whether the production is intentionally fostering a hostile environment to increase engagement or if the cast is genuinely frustrated by the pairing protocols remains an open point of speculation.
The shift toward streaming-driven casting drama
The current atmosphere on the Dancing With The Stars set reflects a broader trend in reality television where the "storyline" often outweighs the actual competition. By casting polarizing figures like Maura Higgins and experienced performers like Jenna Dewan, the production ensures a constant stream of social media discourse,which is critical for success on streaming platforms.
This strategy transforms the ballroom from a place of technical evaluation into a stage for brand building.. For participants, the goal is often less about the trophy and more about leveraging the high-visibility platform to solidify their social media presence and sustainable personal brands, making the accompanying six-figure payouts a secondary but welcome incentive.
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