Robert Irwin is heading to the ballroom. At Hulu's first-ever Get Real! event on Tuesday in Beverly Hills, California, it was announced that the wildlife conservationist and photographer would be joining season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars." He is the first celebrity cast member announced for the upcoming season.
"I cannot tell you what an honor, what a privilege it is to be joining this season," Robert Irwin said at the event, recalling how, at 11 years old, he watched his sister Bindi Irwin have "the most incredible time" on the "DWTS" dance floor. "And I just thought, 'one day that’s gonna be me,'" he added. "I have these little dreams and now that dream is a reality and I am over the moon; let's do this."
Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, is not just stepping into the spotlight as a dancer but also as a zookeeper at the Australia Zoo, where he works alongside his mother, Terri Irwin, and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who is now 26. His background in wildlife conservation adds a unique angle to his participation in the popular dance competition.
Known for his engaging personality, Robert Irwin has also co-hosted a TV series called "Wild But True" in 2014 on the Discovery Kids Channel. From 2018 to 2022, he appeared on the show "Crikey! It's the Irwins," which showcased the Irwin family's life at the Australia Zoo.
While Robert may be the new face on the dance floor this season, he certainly isn’t the first Irwin to compete. His sister Bindi won the coveted mirrorball trophy in 2015 during the show's 21st season, partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough. Following Bindi's success, many fans have speculated about Robert's potential participation in "DWTS." In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Tonight, he mentioned, "I'm not as graceful as Bindi, let's just say that. I'm not very graceful."
Despite his self-deprecating humor, Robert expressed enthusiasm about competing, stating, "[But] I'd give it a go." He continued, "I don't think I'd be as good as Bindi. She was incredible." Reflecting on Bindi's performance, he said, "I mean, when you watched her dance, it was like she'd been dancing her whole life, and she'd never danced before, so really amazing. I was so proud of her."
Season 33 of "DWTS" ended in November 2024, with Joey Graziadei and dance pro Jenna Johnson taking home the Mirrorball trophy. The show saw record-breaking engagement, with 32 million votes cast for the winner, marking a significant achievement for the series. Season 33 ranked No. 1 among adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day viewing, a first for the series, and attracted younger viewers, achieving its best adults 18-34 ratings in four years.
As the show gears up for its 34th season, the full cast of celebrities and professional dancers will be announced at a later date. For now, Robert Irwin's participation has already sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing their hopes for his success on social media. One fan commented, "Please let him be Britt’s partner. I know she really wants him and she deserves a good partner this season."
The official announcement of Robert's casting was accompanied by a social media tease from Derek Hough, who will return as a judge for the new season. "Cue the celebration dance. Another season of #DWTS is coming to ABC and Disney+! Next day on Hulu," read the caption of a post on the official "Dancing With the Stars" Instagram page. This renewal comes after a strong performance from the show in its previous season.
"Dancing With the Stars" has been a staple of American television since its inception, bringing together a mix of celebrities from various backgrounds, including actors, athletes, and reality stars. The show's format encourages not only competition but also a celebration of dance, making it a favorite among viewers.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Robert Irwin, the show has historically featured a diverse lineup of contestants, including real-life headline makers and personalities from popular culture. The upcoming season promises to continue this tradition, with fans eagerly awaiting the reveal of the remaining cast.
As the Irwin family continues to honor the legacy of Steve Irwin, Robert's participation in "Dancing With the Stars" adds another chapter to their story. Bindi's heartfelt tribute to their father during her own season resonates with many fans, and Robert's journey will undoubtedly carry that spirit forward.
"Dancing With the Stars" will air on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. The premiere date for season 34 has not yet been announced, but the show traditionally debuts in September. As anticipation builds, Robert Irwin's entry into the world of competitive dance is sure to draw attention and support from fans around the globe.
With the Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation and their engaging personalities, audiences are set for an exciting season filled with talent, emotion, and the spirit of competition. Robert Irwin is ready to make his mark on the dance floor, and many are eager to see how he will follow in his sister's accomplished footsteps.
