Denys Samson shared an emotional tribute to his home country of Ukraine on last night’s Dancing with the Stars. The professional dancer, who is paired up with Irish singer, Erica Cody on this year’s series, spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking with presenter, Nicky Byrne after the performance Erica shared how proud she was of him as it had been an emotional week; “For those who don’t know, Denys is from Ukraine so it has been extremely difficult for him this week. I take my hat off to him, he’s incredible.”
Visibly emotional, Denys shared how blown away he has been by the incredible support he’s received from the DWTS team as well as Ireland in general, which had the audience rising to their feet for him.
“Everybody knows what’s going on in Ukraine, my family is there, my best friends. We will stay strong, Ukraine, we will not give up. I want to say a big thank you to Ireland, to Dublin, to Dancing with the Stars, the crew, producers, to everybody for the support this week. I’m so grateful.”
Earlier this week Erica shared her support for her partner on social media, praising his ability “power through” in such troubling times the singer and DWTS contestant told him she was “beyond proud.”
Posting a sweet picture to her Instagrams Erica wrote, “The way you have been able to power through this week given everything that’s going on I take my hat off to you @denysamson and I am so beyond proud of you. I‘ve got you always , let’s go partner!”
“Also massive thank you to everyone who reached out to send their love to denys this week, you’ve no idea how much it means to him.”
This week they danced a beautiful American Smooth to Ella Fitzgerald’s Too Darn Hot and their performance earned them a 25 from the judges.
Loraine shared; “We had a few little mishaps going on there, that happens, the good thing I always say is, you kept going. But I loved that, so Hollywood, so beautiful.”
Arthur said; “Erica it must be hard for you this week because of last week’s dance off, but you came back and told us what you are made of.”
