Maura Higgins has revealed the one professional dancer she hopes to avoid being paired with on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars.
The Longford star was recently confirmed as one of the first celebrity contestants taking part in the new season of the hit US show, and while she insists she’d be “happy with anyone,” there is one exception — pro dancer Gleb Savchenko.
Speaking to E! News, Maura explained that her loyalty to friend Brooks Nader, who previously dated Gleb after the pair were partnered together on the show, played a major role in her decision.
“I’d be happy with anyone except Gleb,” she said. “That’s only because I’m loyal and I’m friends with Brooks.”
View this post on Instagram
Maura also admitted she isn’t a fan of how the dancer speaks about women.
“I don’t really like the way he speaks about women,” she added. “I don’t really want to spend all my time with someone like that. I’m like, no thank you.”
The former Love Island star went on to reveal that her dream partner would actually be fellow Traitors star Mark Ballas.
“I even get nervous saying it,” she joked. “But I do want Mark.”
Maura also shut down any possibility of a ballroom romance developing during the series, despite previous DWTS couples making headlines off-screen.
“Absolutely not,” she said when asked about a potential showmance. “You’re not getting a showmance from me at all. It’s not happening.”
The Irish reality star added: “I’m single, I’m celibate and I’m bloody happy.”
Despite admitting she is “a bit nervous” ahead of the competition, Maura said she’s excited to challenge herself with something completely outside her comfort zone.
“I’ve never danced. I’ve got no experience, but I’m going to give it my all,” she shared.
The series is expected to air later this year, with fans already eager to see how the Irish star gets on in the ballroom.
