Maura Higgins is already making headlines ahead of season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, even before the ballroom competition begins. The Traitors alum, who was announced last month as one of the first celebrity cast members for the new season, spoke candidly about which pro dancer she would prefer not to be paired with and which one she hopes to get instead.
In an exclusive interview tied to her new Wingstop partnership, Maura said she would be “happy with anyone except Gleb,” referring to pro dancer Gleb Savchenko. Her reason was personal: she said she is loyal to Brooks Nader, Gleb’s ex, and does not want to cross that line. Maura explained that her friendship with Brooks matters to her, and that loyalty played a big role in her comment.
She also criticized Gleb’s behavior, saying she does not like the way he speaks about women and does not want to spend her time around someone with that attitude. Her remarks made clear that her hesitation is not just about a possible dance partnership, but about her broader feelings toward his public conduct.
While she drew a line against one potential partner, Maura was enthusiastic about another. Her “dream” DWTS partner is three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas, who previously worked with her on Traitors season four. Maura said she would love to be paired with him, though she admitted she feels nervous even saying it because of the fan buzz already building online. She joked that she keeps seeing clips and comments from viewers pushing for Mark, and added that she still wants him despite her own accent and self-described uncertainty.
The casting update arrives as anticipation builds for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. With the early celebrity lineup already drawing attention, Maura’s comments have added a new layer of drama to the upcoming season. Her refusal to be matched with Gleb and her public support for Mark Ballas have sparked more conversation around how the producers may decide the pairings.
Maura’s remarks also reflect the social dynamics that can shape reality TV beyond the dance floor. Her loyalty to Brooks Nader, along with her criticism of Gleb, has turned a simple casting question into a broader storyline that fans are likely to follow closely as the season approaches. Whether producers respond to the fan chatter or keep their pairings under wraps, Maura has already made her preferences clear.
For now, the focus remains on the celebrity cast and the eventual pro-dancer matchups, which are expected to become one of the biggest talking points of DWTS season 35. Maura Higgins has made one thing obvious: if she gets her way, her journey in the ballroom will not include Gleb Savchenko, and it just might include Mark Ballas instead.
