Robert Irwin, the young Australian wildlife conservationist, has quickly become a standout on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, turning heads with his partner Witney Carson. Their latest performance on the show's TikTok night last Tuesday featured a steamy salsa that left judges and viewers buzzing. Irwin, 21, ditched his shirt midway through the routine, showcasing a physique honed from years of handling crocs and snakes back home. The move earned them solid scores—24 out of 30—but it was the chemistry between Irwin and Carson that stole the conversation.
Indeed, the duo's tango from the previous week had already ignited romance rumors among fans. Social media lit up with speculation after their close embrace and synchronized moves, despite both insisting it's all professional. Carson, a seasoned pro with three Mirrorball trophies under her belt, has been playfully fielding dating "applications" from admirers sliding into her DMs on Irwin's behalf. She's even joked about screening potential American girlfriends for him, adding a lighthearted twist to the show's high-stakes drama. Irwin, ever the good sport, calls her another "protective older sister" alongside his sibling Bindi.
However, not everything's smooth gliding. Irwin's debut jive was hailed by judge Derek Hough as the best first dance he'd ever seen, scoring a near-perfect 28. Yet, the pressure shows—Irwin admits wrangling wild animals feels safer than these sequined spotlights. Bindi Irwin crashed one rehearsal for a fun "bring your sister to work" moment, underscoring the family's tight-knit support amid the frenzy. Carson, meanwhile, expressed mock regret over the shirtless reveal, wondering aloud if she'd unleashed too much fan frenzy.
Moreover, the partnership highlights Irwin's leap from Aussie outback to Hollywood glamour, but whispers of favoritism linger given his celebrity lineage. Still, their progress keeps them safely mid-pack, far from elimination threats so far. As the competition intensifies, one can't help but wonder how long this unlikely pair can keep the magic alive without tripping over the rumors.