"Dancing with the Stars” fan-favorite Ilona Maher is officially making her way back to the DWTS stage. The Olympic rugby medalist and “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 runner-up announced she will be joining the show’s 2025 live tour for a limited set of dates this spring. Maher shared the exciting news on Instagram, writing, “Drumroll please… VERY excited to announce I’ll be joining the “Dancing with the Stars Tour” a little bit early starting on April 2nd in Phoenix, AZ and dancing through the second show in Los Angeles on April 6th. See you there!”
Maher will reunite with her DWTS pro partner, Alan Bersten, for the special set of performances. The comments section quickly filled with fan excitement and support from fellow castmates. Disney channel star Chandler Kinney, who competed alongside Maher in Season 33 and is currently on the tour, commented, “COME JOIN THE FUN QUEEN.” Alan’s former partner Amanda Kloots added “Woohoo!”, while fellow DWTS pro Emma Slater, who is rumored to be Bersten’s current partner, cheered, “WOOOHOOOOO she’s back!!!! See you soon @ilonamaher.”
A Full-Circle Return After Focusing on Rugby
Maher was originally set to join the tour beginning April 5, as she exclusively revealed to Heavy/EntertainmentNow in December 2024. However, she later announced that she would not be participating in the tour due to her commitment to rugby training ahead of the World Cup.
“I would love to do more, but it was important for me to go back to my passion of rugby,” Maher told Parade. “With the World Cup coming up next year, I wanted to prepare myself for that. And though I would love to have been [on tour] spending every day with Alan again, I need to also focus on what really brings me joy and what I think will move me forward and move the sport forward.”
The change of plans makes her return to the “Dancing with the Stars Tour” this April all the more special, offering fans a few more chances to see her on stage alongside Bersten in Phoenix and Los Angeles.
A Busy Year of Wins, Milestones, and Motivation
Maher has already had a jam-packed 2025. After completing her three-month contract with the Bristol Bears, a professional rugby team in England’s top-tier Premiership Women’s Rugby league, she returned to the U.S. to announce the launch of her new podcast, “House of Maher,” with her sisters Adrianna and Olivia.
Maher, who won over “Dancing with the Stars” viewers with her strong performances and authentic personality, placed second on Season 33. She has also continued inspiring her fans with her #beastbeautybrains movement, encouraging women to embrace both their strength and femininity.
With her return to the DWTS stage, podcast launch, and continued rugby pursuits, Maher shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.
