In the whirlwind of Dancing With the Stars season 34, Australian wildlife star Robert Irwin has set the record straight on his love life. No, he's not married. Indeed, the 21-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin announced earlier this year that he'd parted ways with his girlfriend of over a year, Rorie Buckey. The split, which came after a low-key romance away from the spotlight, left fans speculating—but Irwin himself shut down the rumors during a recent interview tied to his U.S. TV debut.
Performing alongside pro dancer Witney Carson, Irwin's tango and quickstep routines have drawn praise, but it's the off-stage chatter that's really buzzing. Carson, a seasoned DWTS veteran with three Mirrorball trophies under her belt, has become an unlikely confidante. She joked about "screening" potential dates for Irwin, especially American ones, after he admitted to being open to romance across the Pacific. "I know she's out there," Irwin said with his trademark grin, hinting at a preference for someone adventurous and kind-hearted—qualities that echo his family's conservation ethos.
However, the real story unfolding is the flood of messages hitting Carson's inbox. Fans, enamored by Irwin's charm and those viral underwear ads from his youth, are sliding into her DMs with "applications" to date him. Carson laughed it off on air, calling the outpour "incredible" while playing big-sister protector, much like Irwin's sibling Bindi. It's a lighthearted distraction from the competition's intensity, where the pair sits strong after four weeks. Yet, one can't help but wonder if this media frenzy pressures a young man more focused on crocs than courtship.
Moreover, Irwin's search for connection comes at a pivotal time. Balancing Australia Zoo duties with Hollywood lights, he's vocal about wanting a partner who shares his passion for the wild. Carson even floated the idea of him on The Bachelor, given the deluge of interest. Still, for now, it's all fun and foxtrots.
As Irwin navigates fame's glare, does this chapter signal a new beginning in love, or just another spotlight on his enduring appeal?