In the glittering chaos of Dancing with the Stars season 34, Robert Irwin, the young Australian wildlife conservationist, has emerged as a surprising standout. Paired with seasoned pro Witney Carson, Irwin delivered a steamy salsa during the show's TikTok-themed episode on September 30, shedding his shirt midway through to reveal a physique honed more by croc wrangling than dance rehearsals. The performance earned solid scores from the judges, who praised its energy despite Irwin's admitted inexperience on the ballroom floor.
Indeed, Irwin's journey on the ABC hit has been a whirlwind since his debut jive, which judge Derek Hough called the best first dance he'd ever seen. That opener set a high bar, and the 21-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin has kept the momentum, tangoing his way to top spots in week two's One Hit Wonder night. But it's the off-stage buzz that's truly captivating audiences. Romance rumors swirled after their close tango last week, though Carson quickly downplayed any sparks, insisting their chemistry is purely professional. Still, fans aren't buying it entirely—social media is flooded with speculation.
Moreover, Carson has taken on an unexpected role, jokingly "screening" potential girlfriends for Irwin from the deluge of DMs he's receiving. "If I could line you all up with Robert, I would," she quipped in a recent interview, highlighting the flood of messages from admirers. Irwin's sister Bindi even crashed a rehearsal, turning it into a family affair and adding to the wholesome Irwin charm that contrasts sharply with the show's high-drama eliminations. Two couples were sent home that same night, underscoring the competition's ruthlessness.
Yet, amid the sequins and spotlights, Irwin admits dancing terrifies him more than handling venomous snakes back home. Carson, a DWTS veteran with multiple wins under her belt, guides him through the routines, but the partnership's playful dynamic hints at deeper connections forming under pressure. As the season progresses, with more viral moments sure to come, one wonders if Irwin's star power will carry him all the way to the finale—or if the dance floor's unpredictability will trip him up.