'Dancing with the Stars' Duo Stuns Judges with Surprise Prank and Risky Routine

On the October 21st episode of 'Dancing with the Stars', dancer Robert Irwin, 21, and his partner Witney Carson, 32, performed a jazz routine to the song "Dancing Through Life" that was worthy of the big screen. When it came time for the scores to be revealed, judge Derek Hough, 40, initially held up a 6 before flipping his paddle over to show a 9, surprising the duo.

Irwin exclusively told Us Weekly after the performance that he was worried when he saw the 6, but was relieved when Hough flipped the paddle. Carson said she would have had words with Hough if the prank turned out to be real, as she didn't think he would give Irwin a 6. The pair felt "really good" about their performance, even though some of the moves couldn't be practiced until the last minute due to the props and dancers involved.

Despite the last-minute changes, Irwin and Carson earned a total of 36 points from the judges, including Hough and Wicked director Jon M. Chu. Irwin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be on the show, saying he's formed a love for the craft of dancing. As the competition continues, the duo plan to kick things up a notch for Halloween Week, with Irwin promising to bring "something intense, something dark" and to take his technique to a new level.