Maura and Mark shut down DWTS tension rumors

The Dancing With the Stars pair addressed claims of on-set friction after delivering a standout performance.

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Sep 17, 2026

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Maura and Mark shut down DWTS tension rumors

The Dancing With the Stars pair addressed claims of on-set friction after delivering a standout performance.

In brief

The Dancing With the Stars pair addressed claims of on-set friction after delivering a standout performance. Despite reports of rehearsal stress, Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas showed genuine friendship and chemistry during their post-performance interviews. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.

Maura and Mark ace their foxtrot

Maura and Mark ace their foxtrot

The pair performed to Alannah Myles' Black Velvet and earned the night's highest score, proving their partnership is working.

They address the tension talk

They address the tension talk

During post-episode press, Maura and Mark displayed genuine warmth and friendship, making it clear they're getting along better than ever.

Maura credits Mark's support

On Good Morning America, Maura revealed she was extremely nervous before the dance, but Mark helped her regain confidence and she credited him for their great score.

“Mark spoke to me and the life came back a little bit then.”

Reports claimed rehearsal struggles

A source told The Sun that Maura struggled to remember choreography, leading to stressful rehearsals, though she and Mark have a brother-sister dynamic.

“She is struggling to remember her choreography which has made for some stressful rehearsals.”

Both underestimated the difficulty

Both underestimated the difficulty

The source noted that Maura and Mark overestimated her ballroom abilities, making the competition harder than expected, but their bickering was always rooted in wanting her to succeed.

“They bicker but it's all love at the end of the day because he wants her to do well.”

The takeaway

Despite reports of rehearsal stress, Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas showed genuine friendship and chemistry during their post-performance interviews.

Read the original on Cosmopolitan

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