"Ilona Maher is truly the best partner I ever had" - Paris 2024 bronze medalist lauded by Alan Bersten after end of DWTS season

Dancing With the Stars pro, Alan Bersten heaped praise on his dancing partner and Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher. This comes just after their performances in the television show's finale on Tuesday (Nov. 26).

Maher and Bersten finished second in the event with 57 points in the finals including a perfect score in the freestyle round of the competition which they performed in District 78's 'Femininomenon'. They scored 27 points for their redemption dance in Ray Charles and Blue Brothers' 1980 song "Shake A Tail Feather."

Despite this impressive performance, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten faced a defeat to the duo of Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson. Grazidei and Johnson scored 59 points in the finals including a perfect 30 in the redemption round and 29 points in the freestyle round.

In an interview with Extra TV after the declaration of the results, Maher's partner Bersten shared some kind words for her. The pro dancer remarked that Maher was also a deserving candidate for the Mirrorball trophy along with the duo of Graziadei and Johnson. He said:

"Ilona is f****** spectacular. She's incredible, I love her so much. She is truly the best partner I ever had and Joey and Jenna deserved it, but so did Ilona. It was just so special this season and she is special."

Alan Bersten's season with Ilona Maher was his second-best finish in DWTS after season 28 where he won the event with Hannah Brown. The duo scored 58 points in the finale of the event.

---

Ilona Maher opens up about her major takeaways from season 33 of DWTS, makes special mention of her dancing partner

Maher competing for the United States Rugby Sevens team during the bronze medal match on the Day 4 of the Paris Olympics (Image via: Getty Images)

Ilona Maher recently opened up about the major takeaways from the 33rd season of DWTS.

In the Extra TV interview, Maher said that despite her and Alan Bersten's runner-up finish in the competition, they could have improved a lot more. She said:

"I always think that there's always room to improve. I mean I had some really tough episodes this season but always came back stronger. I am just really proud of myself honestly and Alan for sticking with me and be patient with me."

Following the conclusion of the dance television show, Ilona Maher also recently clarified her plans about returning to rugby.