In a light-hearted incident during rehearsals for the second week of ABC’s popular dance competition series, *Dancing with the Stars*, professional dancer Mark Ballas suffered a minor mishap that involved a chipped tooth. His performance partner, Maura Higgins, best known for her stint on *Love Island UK*, inadvertently caused the chip while they were preparing for their cha-cha routine to the classic tune “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
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The incident was revealed during a post-performance interview on 22nd September, where Higgins candidly described the challenging week they had experienced. Reflecting on the rehearsals, she humourously suggested that the mishap might send her to consider taking up boxing, a comment that garnered laughs from both fans and commentators alike.
“It’s been a struggle for me this week,” Higgins admitted, referencing not only the tooth incident but also the demands of the rehearsal schedule. She joked about her newfound boxing aspirations while still focusing on their dance performance. Ballas quickly reassured their supporters, downplaying the injury by quipping that his dental situation before this incident was already far from perfect.
Their playful banter continued as they addressed the physicality of their training for the show. Higgins shared her physical exhaustion, remarking about the toll it was taking on her. “My head hurts listening to him,” she jested, while Ballas countered with his typical humour, turning the conversation back on her by suggesting she might still be feeling the effects of their accidental collision.
Despite the light-heartedness, Ballas addressed the chipped tooth with a relaxed attitude, indicating it was not a significant concern. “It’s fine. It’s fine,” he assured viewers, adding that he had a few other teeth to spare, showcasing his typical sense of humour, even in the face of a minor dental disaster.
Judging from their performance that evening, the duo received a respectable score of 19 out of a possible 30 points from the judges. The panel’s feedback included marks of six from Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough, while Bruno Tonioli awarded them a slightly higher score of seven.
Speaking to *PEOPLE* ahead of the season’s premiere, the pair described their experiences so far as enjoyable and stimulating. Ballas expressed admiration for Higgins’ commitment to the competition, citing her strong work ethic—a newfound aspect he had not fully anticipated based on their previous collaboration on *The Traitors*.
The injury, while amusing, is indicative of the high-energy environment in which these contestants are operating. Preparation for *Dancing with the Stars* is renowned for its demanding physical requirements, and such light-hearted accidents are often the result of intense rehearsals under pressure.
As both Ballas and Higgins navigate their journey in the competition, it is evident that despite the occasional slip-ups, their chemistry and camaraderie offer them a solid foundation on the dance floor. As they continue their quest for the coveted mirrorball trophy, fans will undoubtedly be keeping their eyes peeled for both their performances and any more humorous moments that may arise along the way.