"We both don't shut up," the Olympic bronze medalist jokingly tells PEOPLE about her friendship with the pro dancer
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten are sharing the secrets to their unique Dancing with the Stars bond.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the show's semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Maher, 28, and Bersten, 30 -- who are one of five remaining couples to have a chance of claiming the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy -- revealed why they think they've created such a close friendship on the show.
"We both don't shut up. We're similar," Maher, 28, continues, "And also, having somebody who doesn't tell you to ever tone yourself down. If anything, Alan tells me to be funny."
Bersten jokingly responds, "I saw that on a shirt once!"
Related: Ilona Maher Says She Doesn't 'Feel Bad for Crying' on Dancing with the Stars: 'It Felt Very Right in the Moment' (Exclusive)
Maher added that her pro partner has also been the driving force behind her decision to continue posting online videos about her time on the show..
"He was like, 'Let's do it. Let's get it out there for people,' says Maher. "I've always loved to show my personality online and now I've gotten to show his and it's been really great."
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Maher now has a combined total of 7.5 million followers between her TikTok and Instagram accounts, and is regularly praised for her compelling content, which ranges from clever skits to powerful messages about body image.
While speaking to PEOPLE in an October interview, the athlete -- who previously praised Bersten for helping her show her feminine side on the show -- spoke about being known as "America's Sweetheart."
"I think when people say 'America's Sweetheart,' I'm like, 'Me, the girl who plays rugby?' Okay, I'll take it. I am honored. And I like that we're changing [who is] considered [a] role model for kids," she said.
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Her presence online continues as she and Bersten prepare for next week's DWTS finale, in which she'll star alongside their fellow competing couples: Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold.
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Despite being left in suspense during Tuesday's semifinals as Maher and Bersten and Nedoroscik and Arnold were told they were on the chopping block, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough eventually announced that no one was going home.