Erica Cody paid tribute to her partner Denys Samson on Sunday night's Dancing with the Stars, saying it has been an "extremely difficult" week for the Ukrainian dancer but that he has been "an absolute trooper".
The couple impressed the judges with an elegant and accomplished American Smooth on the show, earning 25 points for their efforts, and after the performance the singer-songwriter said it has been a hugely challenging week for Denys.
Speaking to presenter Nicky Byrne, Erica said: "Denys is from the Ukraine, so it's been extremely difficult for him this week with his friends and family back home.
"I just have to say, he's an absolute trooper. he showed up every single day, blood sweat and tears.
"It wasn't even an option for him to miss the show, I really take my hat off to him, he's incredible."
Fighting back tears, Denys said: "Everybody knows what's going on in Ukraine. My family is there, my best friends.
"I just want to say - we're strong, we will not give up."
He added: "I want to say a big thank you to Ireland, to Dublin, to Dancing with the Stars, to the crew, to the producers, to everybody, for the support this week."
Nicky told the professional dancer: "Denys you probably can't see but people are on their feet.
"We can't even imagine what you must be going through and we just want to send the love to yourself, to Ukraine and to your family."
Dancing with the Stars, Sundays, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, 6:30pm.
