Two Dancing With the Stars contestants are battling illnesses ahead of the show’s highly anticipated Dedication Night.
Emma Slater revealed on social media that her season 34 partner, Andy Richter, has been under the weather all week.
“This is Andy’s daughter, Cornelia! She’s going to be in a dance this week, and we cannot be more excited!” Slater, 36, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, October 12. “We’ve had a week of illness and I’ll be honest with you, it’s been hard and I’m so appreciative for @richtercommaandy for all of the hard work and commitment he has put into learning this salsa. I know how happy he is to be dancing with Cornelia and for them to have this moment together.”
Despite not feeling his best, Richter, 56, appears motivated to deliver an emotional dance to “Jump In the Line” by Harry Belafonte.
While some Dancing With the Stars viewers might be shocked to see Andy Richter survive another week, pro Emma Slater believes he’s earned his place in the competition. “Obviously, you get people that comment, ‘You know, this is a dance competition,’ but it is actually so much more than that,” Slater, 36, exclusively told Us […]
“He’s been so sick and in bed this week, feeling a lot better today and he’s determined to give it his all, so proud,” Slater shared via TikTok on Monday, October 13. “Thank you for the well wishes.”
Richter, however, isn’t the only one pushing through an illness 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!
♬ My Love Mine All Mine – Mitski
Zac Affleck confirmed his wife, Jen Affleck, has been limited in how much she can practice due to an undisclosed sickness.
“This week, she has been so sick she hasn’t been able to practice, and has been stuck in bed most of the week,” he revealed via TikTok on Sunday, October 12. “Call it chance or God, but her mom has been in town this week to make her homemade meals and help take care of her.”
To help lift his wife’s spirits, Zac, 29, asked his followers to help him pull off an upcoming surprise ahead of showtime.
“If you’re a mother or been touched by Jen’s story, please leave a comment or send me a DM!” he shared. ‘I’m going to print them out and decorate Jen’s trailer this Tuesday! I have Jen blocked from this post! I want your kind comments to be a surprise! Thank you for all the love and support for Jen!”
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik Eric McCandless/Disney
ABC previously 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 works up the strength to rehearse, Zac has asked fans for prayers ahead of showtime.
“Anyone who knows Jen knows how amazing of a mom she is,” he added. “Jen would never ask but she really needs all the help and prayers she can get.”
Dedication Night is expected to be an emotional evening for many of the contestants. Danielle Fishel previously announced that she will be dedicating her jive routine to Boy Meets World costar William Daniels.
As for Elaine Hendrix, she will perform the foxtrot for her best friend and The Parent Trap costar, Lisa Ann Walter.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Prove your DWTS fandom with Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv! Compete against other fans and Us editors in the Bracketology DWTS fantasy league this season to predict which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. Get access to exclusive content, stats and a chance to win prizes. Join the league for free today!
