Maura Higgins returns to DWTS

Maura Higgins returned to Dancing With The Stars with an emotional tribute to Ireland after suffering a painful neck injury.

Performance details

She performed an energetic Paso Doble with partner Mark Ballas and World Champion Irish dancer Lochlan Howard.

Irish tribute outfit

Maura wore a sparkling green ensemble with a train made of the colours of the Irish flag.

Performance score

The pair received a score of 35/40 after three nines and one eight from judges.

Neck injury concerns

Friends fear Maura is 'pushing herself to breaking point' during her US competition run.

Injury details

Maura suffered a painful neck injury while rehearsing and admitted the pain has been getting worse.

Rehearsal incident

In rehearsal footage, Maura was seen writhing on the floor in agony as medics treated her for a neck injury.

Maura's injury comment

Maura explained to cameras she has been having a twinge in the left side of her neck and feels it's getting worse.

Injury impact

Maura expressed concern the injury would 'ruin' her live performance despite powering through her recent routine.

Ribs joke

Maura joked at Victoria's Secret fashion show her ribs were 'currently broken' due to the injury.

Friend's concern

A friend told The Sun Maura is living her best life but risks pushing herself to breaking point.

Maura's Instagram post

Maura posted on Instagram about being proud of her Irish roots and never forgetting where she came from.

Fan comments

Maura's Love Island pals commented on Instagram expressing excitement for her DWTS performance.

Maura's quote

Maura wrote: 'I've been lucky enough to chase my dreams across the world, but no matter how far I go, I'll never forget where I came from.'

“I've been lucky enough to chase my dreams across the world, but no matter how far I go, I'll never forget where I came from.”

Maura's quote

Maura wrote: 'To be able to celebrate my roots on a stage like @dancingwiththestars is something my younger self could only have dreamed of.'

“To be able to celebrate my roots on a stage like @dancingwiththestars is something my younger self could only have dreamed of.”

Maura's quote

Maura wrote: 'And to every little country girl out there with big dreams, never let where you come from make you feel like there's a limit to where you can go.'

“And to every little country girl out there with big dreams, never let where you come from make you feel like there's a limit to where you can go.”