Robert Irwin fights back tears as he comforts heartbroken Dancing With The Stars US contestant who lost their mum: 'I'll be right there with you'

Robert Irwin has shared one of his most emotional moments yet on Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro, opening up about his family as he comforted a tearful contestant preparing a deeply personal performance.

The 22-year-old wildlife conservationist was overcome with emotion after contestant Allen Genkin recently dedicated a moving rumba to his late mother, who died when he was just 15.

Knowing how difficult the performance would be, Robert surprised the dancer with a private visit during the second episode of the Queensland-filmed series, now screening in America. 

Drawing on his own family experience following the death of his father Steve Irwin in 2006, Robert offered words of comfort that left both men emotional.

'I understand what it's like to lose someone,' Robert said.

'When I did Dancing with the Stars US, I was given this opportunity to do a dedication dance to my mum. As soon as that music stopped, my mum joined me on stage... I completely broke down.'

He continued: 'It's like you're facing something for the first time in your life that you've never had the strength to face. But movement and dance, that is the thing that gives you the ability to face that.'

A visibly emotional Allen admitted: 'I think this is going to be the closest I've been with her since.'

Robert immediately wrapped Allen in a hug and reassured him: 'I'll be right there with you,' while agreeing with the professional dancer that 'time does not heal all wounds'.

The touching exchange resonated deeply with fans, who took to social media to praise Robert for his kind words.

'See this is a good reason why Robert Irwin is the sweetest, kindest guy. He knows what it feels like to lose someone in your life and how hard it is,' one person wrote. 

'Oh no, I'm gonna sob!' a second added. 

Speaking to People, Allen described the TV star as a calming presence throughout the competition.

'It felt very comforting and very calm and peaceful,' he said.

'To be honest with you, it was very emotional. It was very emotional being around Robert throughout the whole process because he told me his story.'

Despite being 14 years younger, Allen said Robert felt like family. 

Robert's compassion stems from his own experience with unimaginable loss.

The television personality was just two years old when his father, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, was killed in 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming on the Great Barrier Reef.

Last year, Robert emotionally revisited that grief during his own winning stint on Dancing With The Stars, dedicating a performance to his mother, Terri Irwin, and breaking down in tears at the end of the dance.