United Kingdom, Oct. 15 -- Robert Irwin broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his mother Terri and late dad Steve on Dancing With The Stars.

The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist is part of the current series of the US dance contest, and he hailed both his parents during Tuesday's (14.10.25) Dedication Night episode as he performed a contemporary routine set to Phil Collins' song You'll Be In My Heart.

During his intro package, Robert said: "She's an absolute hero to me, because I was two when I lost dad.

"As I got older, [I] started to realise just how hard it would have been for her to be there for us, and all the while continue dad's legacy that her and dad built together."

He started to cry, insisting he's "never been able ...