The dancer sobbed into partner Molly Rainford‘s arms following their Charleston to the song Hot Honey Rag from Chicago.
The pair’s upbeat performance received a rare standing ovation from judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse after they kicked off tonight’s live quarter final.
And head judge Shirley said: “What a way to open the show, I wasn’t expecting that… you looked like you were having a ball.”
Anton Du Beke added: “If you’re going to pick a moment to up your game, you’ve picked it, well done, marvellous.”
Craig Revel Horwood said: “What a transformation… well done.”
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Dancer Carlos, 28, was then left shaking when the judges dished out an amazing 39 points.
Host Claudia Winkleman told viewers Carlos was “sobbing” and added: “This is your first series and your highest score yet, well done.”
However, viewers were outraged when Anton gave the nine points instead of 10.
One said: “Same thing week in week out. Judges have their favourites. Fleur, Will and Helen all bang average and get 10’s thrown at them. Hamza and Molly clearly the best and can barely scrape a 9 out of the judges.”
Molly and Carlos, who joined the cast of Strictly this year, have gone from strength to strength on the show.