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Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins are already feeling the physical demands of Dancing With the Stars season 35. The pair revealed that they “banged heads” during rehearsal, adding an unexpected dose of drama before the competition’s two-night premiere.
Higgins, known for her appearances on Love Island and The Traitors, discussed the rehearsal mishap during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live. The reality star explained that she and Ballas collided while working through their choreography.
“Me and Mark banged heads today,” Higgins said. She then added a playful explanation: “To be honest, it was Mark’s fault.”
Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins Reveal Painful Rehearsal Mishap
The incident appeared to be more awkward than serious, but it highlighted just how intense professional ballroom training can become. Contestants must learn detailed routines, master demanding footwork and perform lifts, spins and quick transitions, often while adjusting to an unfamiliar partner.
Higgins and Ballas already have a familiar connection. The two previously appeared together on The Traitors, which may give them an advantage as they build chemistry on the dance floor. However, their latest rehearsal showed that familiarity does not eliminate the risks involved in preparing for a live performance.
Ballas seemed surprised when Higgins blamed him for the collision. Still, the exchange remained lighthearted, with the pair joking about their physical mishaps rather than allowing the accident to derail their preparation.
Sharna Burgess and Tyler Cameron Suffer Their Own Bump
Higgins and Ballas were not the only DWTS couple to experience a rehearsal collision. Sharna Burgess said she and her celebrity partner, Tyler Cameron, also “banged heads” while practicing.
“We did too,” Burgess said. “We banged heads today as well. Yeah, smacked each other straight in the head. You’re not alone.”
The professional dancer also revealed that Cameron dropped her at one point while they were attempting a new trick. Burgess described the moment as part of the learning process, although it underlined the physical challenges facing the cast before the live shows begin.
Cameron, a Bachelorette runner-up, is among the season’s high-profile celebrity contestants. His partnership with Burgess will be closely watched as the pair attempts to turn their rehearsal setbacks into a confident premiere performance.
Ciara Miller and Giada De Laurentiis Report Injuries
Summer House star Ciara Miller also offered an honest update on the toll of training. Partnered with Brandon Armstrong, Miller said she had never felt so sore in her life after practicing for the competition.
The former intensive-care nurse joked that her medical background had become useful in the studio. She said she knew how to wrap wounds and bandage her feet, keeping a bag of essentials nearby to help protect herself during rehearsals.
Food Network personality Giada De Laurentiis has faced her own setback. Before the premiere, De Laurentiis revealed that she injured her toe while rehearsing with professional partner Alan Bersten. She showed followers a visibly bruised and purple toe and said she believed she might lose the toenail.
These injuries are a reminder that Dancing With the Stars is more than a glamorous television spectacle. Behind the costumes and choreography are hours of demanding training, repeated routines and physically challenging stunts.
When Does Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Premiere?
The Dancing With the Stars season 35 premiere is scheduled as a two-night event. According to Entertainment Weekly, the first episodes air Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
The early rehearsal stories have created additional interest in the opening performances. Viewers will want to see whether Higgins and Ballas can turn their head-banging mishap into a polished routine, and whether Burgess and Cameron can recover after their difficult lift.
For the celebrities, the first show represents the payoff for weeks of preparation. For the professional dancers, it is a chance to prove that unexpected bumps, bruises and sore muscles have not affected their ability to deliver a memorable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins?
Mark Ballas and Maura Higgins said they accidentally banged heads during a rehearsal for Dancing With the Stars season 35. Higgins jokingly blamed Ballas for the mishap.
Who is Mark Ballas partnered with on DWTS season 35?
Mark Ballas is partnered with Maura Higgins, who previously appeared on Love Island and The Traitors.
Did Sharna Burgess and Tyler Cameron also get injured?
Sharna Burgess said she and Tyler Cameron also banged heads during rehearsal. She added that Cameron dropped her while they were trying a new trick.
When does DWTS season 35 premiere?
The two-night premiere is scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
