“Dancing With the Stars” frontrunner Robert Irwin injured his ribs just hours before the highly anticipated season finale.
His professional partner, Witney Carson, shared the news on TikTok Monday night, noting that both she and Irwin are feeling the strain after 11 weeks of intense dance rehearsals.
“Today, [camera] blocking has been a bit stressful because we’re trying to bring the freestyle together. Robert’s ribs have been really painful,” Carson, 32, said. “More will be revealed on Tuesday, and you’ll get a better sense of what we’ve been dealing with all week.”
“Dancing With the Stars” favorite Robert Irwin suffers rib injury hours before the season finale.
Irwin’s professional partner, Witney Carson, shared the worrying update on TikTok Monday night, revealing that both dancers’ bodies are “falling apart” after weeks of intense rehearsals.
Because of Irwin’s injury, Carson had to make last-minute adjustments to their finale routines, calling it “the most stressful part.”
She praised the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist for his determination, noting that despite the pain, “he’s going to want to practice until the very last second.”
Since the premiere of Season 34, the Australian TV personality has been a frontrunner and fan favorite. He particularly won over audiences with his “Dedication Night” performance, a heartfelt tribute to his mom, Terri Irwin, and late father, Steve Irwin.
“Robert’s ribs have been really painful, and more details will be revealed on Tuesday so you can see what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson explained.
Because of his injury, Carson had to make last-minute changes to their finale routines, calling it “the most stressful part.”
The emotional contemporary routine, set to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart,” honored his mother’s strength following the tragic death of his father in 2006. The beloved “Crocodile Hunter” was just 44 when he was fatally struck by a stingray barb.
“This is a moment with my mother that I will cherish forever,” Robert said in a video ahead of the dance. “And I know my dad would be so proud.”
If Robert takes home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy Tuesday night, he would be following in the footsteps of his older sister, Bindi, who won Season 21 of the ABC show.
Closing her emotional video, Carson reflected on the “beautiful, special experience” of dancing with Robert this season and admitted she can’t believe the journey is coming to an end.
Carson praised her “beautiful, special experience” with the wildlife conservationist and encouraged fans to vote for them during the season finale.
“I really feel like I’ve already won with Robert as my partner. The memories and experiences we’ve shared this season have been so special—it’s truly the biggest gift,” she said.
That didn’t stop her from urging followers to text “Robert” to 21523 for the “most important vote of the season.”
The “Dancing With the Stars” finale airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.
