While Tamar Braxton's illness was serious enough to send her to the hospital during "Dancing With The Stars" dress rehearsal on Monday, it turns out she wasn't the only one battling an illness during the performances.
Braxton ended up making a triumphant return just in time to dance her second dance even though she was still battling pneumonia, and pro dancer Derek Hough definitely felt her pain and desire to go on, as he had been coping with strep throat all week.
"He turned ghost-white. All the color washed away from his face, and I could tell he wasn't well," his partner Bindi Irwin told People. Hough had been trying to fight through the illness all week and was so sick he couldn't even drive himself home from practices, but he kept trying to push through it for Irwin. He explained that he has had IVs of fluids and vitamins all week to try to get better and that he had been taking antibiotics and doing hot and cold saunas.
"Honestly, every single day I wanted to say, 'Let's just lay down' because you could see the pain," Irwin added. "I don't know how he walked into that rehearsal room every day. I just wanted to take all his pain from him. His strength, dedication and determination was mind-blowing. He's the greatest person to be around."
Even though Hough was extremely sick, you couldn't tell by his performance, as he and Irwin earned another perfect score. Their dance was absolutely flawless, and Irwin is truly outshining everyone in this competition.
"I was sick all week and this beautiful Angel got me through it with her love and energy," Hough captioned a photo of Bindi following last night's show. "I remember when I first met her she had her khaki and her boots on having never danced a step in her life. Tonight, seeing her in that dress dancing with such poise and maturity blows me away. Can't say enough how much I love this special person."
"Thank you so much for all of your support. No matter what happens @derekhough manages to make every day in the studio fun," Irwin captioned a photo of them hugging. "Even when I'm super tired he gives me strength and encourages me to keep trying my best and always believe. You're the greatest big brother I could ever ask for. You've changed my life and I promise to keep trying my hardest to truly help show the world what incredible dances you create. Thank you for inspiring me each day."
