Ilona Maher, 28, wanted to be naked and asked to ‘show pretty much everything’ like the other Dancing With the Stars contestants in her latest revealing costume.
The Olympian shared a TikTok video before Dedication Night on October 15 and revealed that she specifically requested that her outfit show more than a little skin.
‘I want you all to know that this week I went to costume design and told them, “Look, I want to be naked,”‘ Ilona proudly announced to her 2.7 million TikTok followers in the viral video, which received almost four million views.
Ilona’s followers adored the barely-there gown, which featured slits and was backless, praising her physique and comparing her to a Greek goddess.
‘I want to be as naked as is allowed on national television,’ the rugby player, who is partnered with professional dancer and choreographer Alan Bersten, joked.
‘All these other girls are showing skin,’ Ilona said about her fellow scantily-clad contestants, which include The Bachelorette star Jenn Tran, Pretty Little Liars actress Chandler Kinney, and model Brooks Nader, who was eliminated on the most recent episode.
‘I want to show pretty much everything,’ Ilona continued in the playful video, where she showed off her sheer dress with crystal embellishments and skin-baring slits in a mirror.
‘Boom. I’m doing this for all you girlies. I feel really good and sexy and pretty,’ the Olympic medalist said, before turning around and debuting the open back.
‘Give the people what they want!!’ the DWTS contestant captioned the video.
Ilona’s fans adored the behind-the-scenes look at her wardrobe and raced to the comments section to leave compliments.
Some people compared the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to the High Lady of the Night Court in A Court of Thorns and Roses, Athena, and Meg in Hercules.
‘Do you feel bonita? BECAUSE YOU LOOK BONITA,’ one raved, as another chimed in, ‘You look like an actual goddess.’
Many people thought it was the best DWTS design yet, with one person calling it ‘literally the most stunning costume i’ve seen on the show.’
‘It’s giving Greek goddess,’ another commenter encouraged.
‘I know the dress was literally made for you but that dress was MADE FOR YOU ya feel,’ one commenter quipped.
Others were happy to see her physique onstage and said, ‘This made me cry a little because you are sooo happy with how you look.’
One woman wrote, ‘You’re healing a generation that avoided dresses due to looking “too muscular” or “not feminine enough” thank you for showing that muscle and strength is beautiful.’
Ilona has been receiving support on social media from her fans for her performances especially after she broke down in tears when she received low scores for her jive routine.