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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Brian Dillon

RTE Dancing With The Stars Denys Samson praised after sending emotional message to family in Ukraine

RTE Dancing With The Stars' Denys Samson was teary eyed on Sunday night's show as he spoke about his family and friends currently in Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

The dancer has reshared a series of Instagram stories which showered messages of support, one of which praised him for continuing with "dignity".

Another fan said it was "heartbreaking to see such pain and upset".

After Denys and Erica Cody received their scored on Sunday night's show, Erica said of her dancing partner: "Yes for those of you who don't know Denys is from Ukraine and it's been extremely difficult for him this week with his friends and family back at home.

"But I just have to say he showed up every single day - blood sweat and tears. He's truly incredible I'm so lucky."

Tearing up, Denys said: "My family is there, my best friends and I just wanted to say Ukraine, we're very strong we will not give up and big love.

"I want to say thank you to Ireland to Dublin to Dancing With The Stars to the crew to the producers to everybody for the support."

Presenter Nicky Byrne added: "We can't even imagine what you're going through and we just want to send love to yourself your friends and your family."

Erica then took to Instagram to continue praising her partner on the show, saying that "the way you danced tonight and to how you carried on throughout the week is truly admirable."

She wrote: "What’s going on right now is unfathomable & my heart breaks for everyone in Ukraine right now… Thank you so much to everyone who sent him all the love this week, it means more than you could imagine."

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