Ilona Maher's Dancing With The Stars partner Alan Bersten reacted as the rugby player shared a hilarious 'Christmas gift' for fans. The pair placed second in the finale last month, winning the hearts of judges and fans alike.
Maher shared a video from their practice on Instagram as Bersten helped her with wearing a paso skirt. Calling themselves 'real partners' for helping each other with a paso skirt, the two-time Olympian said the video was a Christmas gift for their fans.
"Lost @dancingwiththestars files: even though the season is over, I’m finding a lot of clips and I know y’all will eat these up. Here’s our Christmas gift to you. More to come," she wrote.
Bersten agreed with the Olympic medalist, suggesting that the Christmas gifts deal was locked now.
"Now it’s locked!!" he wrote.
Maher is the most followed rugby player in the world and received the call for the show after her campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she also led Team USA to a bronze medal win.
The duo lit up the stage with a freestyle to “Femininomenon" in the finale of November 26 but it was only enough for a second-place finish as Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took home the coveted Mirrorball trophy.
"Turns out, I’m not a natural ballroom dancer" - Ilona Maher opened up about her Dancing With The Stars journey
After finishing runner-up on the show, Ilona Maher claimed she was proud of her performance and how much she had improved as a dancer during the show.
"First day in the studio➡️ Last Day in the studio What a wild, intense, insane ride it has been. I met so many fantastic people and had the experience of a lifetime," she wrote.
The 28-year-old acknowledged she wasn't a natural ballroom dancer like partner Alan Bersten, who won the during the 28th season.
"Turns out, I’m not a natural ballroom dancer, but I’m so proud of myself for how I’ve improved and to where I’ve come. These are two very different people in these photos. Thanks for embarking on this journey with me," Ilona Maher added
The 28-year-old signed a three-month contract with Women's Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears for the remainder of the 2024/25 season following DWTS. She will make her debut in January 2025 and is expected to play in the center and wing.