Dancing with the Stars front-runner Robert Irwin injured his ribs just hours before the highly anticipated season finale.
Irwin’s professional partner Witney Carson revealed the alarming news via TikTok on Monday night, sharing that their bodies were “in pieces” after 11 weeks of grueling dance rehearsals.
“Today’s (camera) blocking is a little stressful because we have to put all the freestyles together. Robert’s ribs were killing him, but we’ll find out more on Tuesday and you guys will have a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson, 32, explained.
The choreographer said he had to make “some changes” to the finale routine at the last minute because the wildlife conservationist was injured, which was “the most stressful part”.
Carson praised the 21-year-old Irwin for pushing through the pain, knowing that despite the injury, “he’s going to want to practice until the last moment.”
The Australian television personality has been a frontrunner and fan favorite since season 34 premiered.
He particularly stole the hearts of viewers with his “Dedication Night” routine, which paid tribute to his mother Terri Irwin and late father Steve Irwin.
The emotional contemporary routine, set to Phil Collins’ ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’, was a tribute to the strength of his mother since his father tragically passed away in 2006. The beloved ‘Crocodile Hunter’ was just 44 years old when he was fatally stung by a stingray barb.
“This is a moment with my mom that I will cherish forever,” Robert said in a video ahead of the dance. “And my dad would be so proud.”
If Robert wins the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Tuesday night, he will follow in the footsteps of his older sister Bindi, who won season 21 of the ABC show.
At the end of the tearful video, Carson gushes about the “beautiful and special experience” she has had with Robert throughout this season of the dance competition show, and says she can’t believe it’s coming to an end.
“I feel like I’ve already won this experience with Robert as my partner, and the memories and experiences we’ve shared throughout the season have been so special that it truly feels like the greatest gift.”
Still, she reminded her followers to text “Robert” to 21523 for “the most important vote of the season.”
The Dancing with the Stars finale will air on Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
