In an unprecedented moment on Strictly Come Dancing, judge Shirley Ballas left the panel visibly moved during tonight's show (October 18).
The emotional scene unfolded as actress Alex Kingston and her professional partner Johannes Radebe performed a rumba to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car.
In a first for the BBC programme, Shirley departed from the judges' table to join the celebrity pair on the dance floor.
"I have to tell you," she began, "I'm going to get emotional... but in all of my time on Strictly I have never seen a pair of legs work like that."
She praised the duo for their "absolutely perfect routine" and "stunning choreography", adding that the chemistry between the dancers was "portrayed beautifully."
In a touching gesture, Shirley extended her arms towards Alex, asking: "May I give the Queen a kiss?"
The women shared a heartfelt embrace, with Alex tearfully admitting: "I'm going to cry!" Following this, Shirley returned to her seat, leaving presenter Tess Daly utterly astounded, reports the Express.
"That's never happened before in Strictly history," she exclaimed. By this point, Alex was visibly emotional, tears streaming down her face.
Tess echoed the sentiment in the room, saying: "Oh, goodness me, I wish I had a tissue!" Back at the judges' table, Anton was left speechless, following Shirley's lead by approaching the dance floor to shake Alex's hand and offer a hearty "well done".
However, Craig was met with a chorus of boos as he offered some constructive criticism, suggesting she could extend her legs a bit more. Once the audience's reaction had subsided, he added: "You are becoming quite the dancer." The boos swiftly transformed into cheers.
Motsi also gave a glowing critique, stating: "This was on a whole different level," as Alex attributed the spectacular dance to her "amazing connection" with Johannes.
The dancing pair secured an eight from Craig, a nine from Motsi and a nine from Anton. Meanwhile Shirley offered up a 10, marking another history-making moment and taking the couple's score to 36 points.
After the points were revealed, Claudia said: "We've never, ever had a 10 for a rumba in week four. Ever."