Two participants from Dancing With the Stars are dealing with health issues as they prepare for the much-anticipated Dedication Night.
Emma Slater posted on her social media that her partner for season 34, Andy Richter, has been unwell throughout the week.
“This is Andy’s daughter, Cornelia! She will perform a dance this week, and we couldn’t be more excited!” Slater, 36, shared via Instagram on Sunday, October 12. “It’s been a tough week of illness, and I’m grateful to @richtercommaandy for all his effort and commitment in learning this salsa. He truly cherishes this moment with Cornelia.”
Though not feeling his best, Richter, 56, remains determined to perform a heartfelt dance to “Jump In the Line” by Harry Belafonte.
“He’s been quite ill and spent much of the week resting, but today he’s feeling a lot better and is ready to give it his all; I’m so proud of him,” Slater posted on TikTok on Monday, October 13. “Thank you all for your kind wishes.”
Yet Richter is not the only contestant facing health challenges during rehearsals.
@emmaslaterofficial I said just go with it 😂😂😂 @AndyRichterTikTok he’s been sick and in bed this week, feeling a lot better today and he’s determined to give it his all, so proud. thank you for the well wishes!
Zac Affleck revealed that his wife, Jen Affleck, has been struggling with her own illness, which has limited her practice sessions.
“This week, she has been extremely unwell and hasn’t been able to rehearse, spending most of her time in bed,” he disclosed via TikTok on Sunday, October 12. “By a stroke of luck, her mom is in town this week to prepare her homemade meals and help care for her.”
To uplift his wife’s spirits, Zac, 29, is seeking help from his followers to pull off a surprise before their performance.
“If you’ve been inspired by Jen’s story or are a mother, please share your thoughts in the comments or send me a DM!” he shared. “I plan to print them out and decorate Jen’s trailer this Tuesday! She has no idea about this post! I want your thoughtful messages to be a wonderful surprise for her! Thank you all for supporting Jen with your love!”
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik Eric McCandless/Disney
ABC has confirmed that Jen, 26, and her partner, Jan Ravnick, will be performing a Viennese Waltz to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle, dedicated to her mother, Maria.
As Jen continues to build her strength for rehearsals, Zac has requested fans to keep her in their thoughts ahead of the performance.
“Anyone who knows Jen knows what a phenomenal mom she is,” he said. “Jen would never ask, but she genuinely needs all the support and prayers she can receive.”
Dedication Night is set to be an emotionally charged event for many contestants. Danielle Fishel has indicated that she will dedicate her jive performance to her Boy Meets World co-star William Daniels.
Elaine Hendrix is set to perform a foxtrot dedicated to her best friend and The Parent Trap co-star, Lisa Ann Walter.
Dancing With the Stars broadcasts on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
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