Erica Cody has shared what a massive boost it would be for her Ukranian dance partner, Denys Samson to win Dancing with the Stars. The professional dancer is from Odessa in Ukraine and shared his heartbreak on the show two weeks ago at seeing war take over his home country.
Speaking with The Irish Sun about the impact this is having on him she said; “Well it’s already having an impact on him, and over the last few weeks. You could see the show on which we danced the American Smooth how emotional Denys was.”
“I don’t want speak for him but I know his mam and aunt are quite worried about the way things are going.”
Continuing she added; “I’m trying keep the spirits high and give him as much love and support as I can as his partner. But I do feel like dancing away is escapism for him and me, just to get away from it all.”
Last week Denys was unable to perform on the show as he tested positive for Covid and Erica was partnered with pro-dancer, Ervinas Merfeldas instead. This week Denys is set to return to the dance-floor but Erica shared it is having an effect on how he is feeling.
She said; “He had Covid last week so I know he was at home watching the news, so to have him back in the studio being able to practice, so we can talk. That’s a big plus, I feel like we are on the right track week by week.”
Continuing she shared that it would mean a lot to him to win; “I think that would be the icing on the cake for all the hard work and the journey we have been on.”
Speaking about the conflict in Ukraine on the show two weeks ago, Denys was visibly emotional as he shared a thank you to everyone for their support at such a difficult time which had the audience rising to their feet for him.
He said; “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.”
Erica spoke about 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.”
