# Maura Higgins returns to Dancing With The Stars with emotional tribute to Ireland after painful neck injury

> Maura Higgins performs emotional Irish tribute on Dancing With The Stars despite neck injury fears.
- Title: Maura Higgins returns to Dancing With The Stars with…
- Summary: Maura Higgins performs emotional Irish tribute on Dancing With The Stars despite neck injury fears. Maura Higgins returned to Dancing With The Stars with an…
- Keywords: maura higgins, dancing with the stars, irish tribute, neck injury, us takeover, love island, mark ballas, lochlan howard, paso double, 35/40 score, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/tvshowbiz/article-16225761/Maura-Higgins-returns-Dancing-Stars-emotional-tribute-Ireland-painful-neck-injury-friends-fear-pushing-breaking-point-US-takeover.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-21T07:47:17+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: maura higgins, dancing with the stars, irish tribute, neck injury, us takeover, love island, mark ballas, lochlan howard, paso double, 35/40 score, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Maura Higgins returned to Dancing With The Stars with an Irish tribute after a neck injury but friends worry she's pushing herself to breaking point.