Robert Irwin enjoyed getting to “let loose” during his most recent turn on the Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) dance floor, which saw him rip off his shirt as he found his cool.

The wildlife expert, 21, is competing on the US reality show with dancer, Witney Carson. Three dances in and the pair have proved to a popular one with audiences, as well as consistent high scorers with the judges.

On yesterday’s (Tuesday 30 September) episode, Irwin and Carson took to the dance floor for TikTok week where they danced the Salsa to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.”

Irwin started the dance with Carson perched on his shoulder while he smouldered to the side. The two then launched into an energetic, sexy, and hip-tastic routine that had audiences going wild.

Things cranked up a notch when midway through the dance Irwin ripped off his shirt to reveal what followers of the conservationist already know is a well-toned physique. Cue more enthusiastic cheers from the live audience as Irwin and Carson continued adding flips, body rolls, and more.

Ultimately the pair scored 22/30, coming in joint third alongside Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying and Hilaria Baldwin. The latter two danced with Rylee Arnold and Gleb Savchenko respectively. Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, were eliminated.

Posting about the number on Instagram afterwards, Irwin said it was “So much FUN to let loose and show a different side in this week’s salsa!” He thanked Carson for “helping me find my inner ‘cool’,” adding, “I’m so grateful for another week in this competition – truly having the time of my life.”

The number went down a treat with fans of Irwin’s online. “Bro chill my mom is on this app,” in response to the shirt-ripping routine. “The way my husband heard me GASP,” added another fan with many more congratulating Irwin.

Other viewers commented, “Well, Robert is all grown up,” and “it’s really serious for Robert Irwin.”

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in September Irwin described being on DWTS as “a childhood dream.” He also said it was a “full circle thing” having watched his sister, Bindi, win season 21.

“I was just in such awe,” he said of watching his sister dance. “You know, she won with flying colors. So no pressure. But I just want to follow in her footsteps and bring that kind of passion and energy into it. I don’t expect to do half the job she did. But it was like a little childhood dream that I’ve had for 10 years. It feels pretty wild that I’m finally fulfilling it.”