Ilona Maher decided to try something that did not involve her rugby skills being tested. While her credibility on the football field is unmatched, being the fighter that she is, Maher decided to sign up for dancing! As surprising as it might seem, the rugby union star teamed up with Alan Bersten in the latest season of Dancing With The Stars. And that right there turned out to be one of Maher’s best decisions. Now, Maher does not shy away from admitting that she is not a pro dancer. 

But in her quest to learn dancing, the 28-year-old has earned herself a true friend. While their captivating stage presence has the fans awed, off the screen too, Maher and Bersten’s chemistry has been heartwarming. Getting vocal about their bonding, Maher termed Bersten as the ‘best dance partner.’ She also got emotional at the thought that once the finals were over, Maher wouldn’t be able to see Bersten every day. 

Ilona Maher almost spills out her surprising appearance with Alan Bersten

And her praises for Alan Bersten do not end here. With a significant portion of the fans trolling Maher for her muscular build, it was Bersten who allegedly instilled self-confidence in her. The rugby star stated that Bersten’s support made her feel ‘beautiful, powerful and worthy.’ Summing it up in a sentence, Maher had just one thing to convey: “Thank you for everything, Alan.” 

Well, while this was the heartwarming part of their lovely relationship, there’s also a flip side. Both Maher and Bersten are constantly pulling each other’s legs, and sometimes it is Maher’s shenanigans that get both of them in some significant trouble. Likewise, the rugby star’s faux pas nearly spilled the beans on a major announcement. Coming live on Instagram, Maher and Bersten had some candid conversations with their fans. However, at one point, while discussing her path forward, Maher accidentally revealed her tour plans, which were supposed to be a secret. Speaking about how Bersten will be visiting 70 or 80 American cities, Maher accidentally stated, “I’m gonna go on some tour. I’m gonna try to go on it.”

Instantly realizing the mistake from her dancing partner, Bersten stepped in to intervene. Trying to save the situation, Alan Bersten stopped Maher as he said, “Just stop.” Now, this was just one of the many examples where the duo’s mischievous elements within the bonding came to light. After all, as per Maher, both of them are quite “annoying.”

Maher and Alan Bersten: Testimony of the ‘Dumb and Dumber’

Ilona Maher recently sat down for an exclusive interview with People. Aiming to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, Maher got candid about how annoying both she and Bersten were. Joking about their personalities, Maher said, “We’re both annoying… We both don’t shut up. We’re similar… And also, having somebody who doesn’t tell you to ever tone yourself down. If anything, Alan tells me to be funny.”

Agreeing to Maher’s words, Alan Bersten quickly jumped and said, “Our stupidity, have you seen Dumb and Dumber?” Maher also went on to state that it was Bersten who was the reason for Maher constantly uploading funny videos on TikTok throughout the entirety of her DWTS stay. Thus, with the duo sharing such a strong bond, it now remains to be seen if the fans’ shipping rumors actually do come true.