Katherine Jenkins broke down in tears on US reality show Dancing with the Stars after paying tribute to her late father.

The week's theme was 'Most Memorable Year', with the classical star picking 1996 - the year her father passed away from lung cancer.

Jenkins danced a waltz before receiving a near perfect score from the judges.

One of the judges, an emotional Carrie Ann Inaba, said it was like her "father's arms" were around her during the dance.

Earlier on in the show, viewers saw a short interview with Jenkins, who spoke about her father's death. She said:

"In 1996, we found out my father had lung cancer. I got pulled out of class by my auntie who said 'Your dad's gone into a coma and gone into a hospice'."

She continued: "It happened so quickly. The following day, he passed away and I'm just glad I got the chance to say goodbye. If I could go back and tell my dad I would be in America and dancing on TV for him, he just wouldn't believe it. That's what's just so overwhelming. I wouldn't be where I am today without my dad. Dad, this waltz is for you."