Robert Irwin wins Dancing with the Stars

Robert Irwin has won Dancing with the Stars, beating Alix Earle in a close final. Photo / Getty Images

Robert Irwin has just won Dancing with the Stars!

Fellow celeb contestants Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron and Elaine Hendrix all gave a solid effort in the final episode, but ultimately it was the Wildlife Warrior’s night to take home the prestigious title and mirror ball trophy.

“My sister said it best: thank you for changing my life,” he said, in floods of tears.

“I’m so grateful for Robert, honestly, I already feel like I won with him as my friend and I can’t thank you enough,” said dance partner Witney.

View this post on Instagram

It was said to be “one of the tightest” results between Robert and Alix, both in the final two.

Earlier in the evening, three contestants earned a perfect score – and they weren’t Rob. Dylan, Alix and Elaine all scored perfect 30 from the judges for their first dances. But it wasn’t long before the other contestants nabbed their own perfect scores.

Robert’s second dance – the Cha Cha – was his first perfect score, followed by an emotional freestyle performance dedicated to his fans and late father Steve, which earned him another round of perfect scores.

“I want this Freestyle to say thank you to America,” he said ahead of the dance, fighting back tears and clutching his injured ribs.

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.