Shirtless salsas and tributes to Steve: How Robert Irwin became Dancing with the Stars’ hot favourite

What unfolded in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) – when Bindi Irwin, 27, briefly joined her brother’s routine – was that he and partner Witney Carson secured the first perfect score of the season. “Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful,” Robert wrote on Instagram overnight. “I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.” How much of Robert and Carson’s perfect score – and the record number of votes this season has attracted – is due to Robert’s dancing ability remains to be seen. The fact he actually points his toes – despite having no prior dancing experience! – has been venerated by devotees on social media as much as his good looks, enthusiasm and tragic backstory. But it was the latter the judges overwhelmingly commented on this week.