Robert Irwin, 21, Reacts to Dating Speculations with Former 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion — and Fans Have a Lot to Say

The 21-year-old Australian conservationist may be officially paired with Witney Carson, but it was his unexpected dance with a former champion that left spectators buzzing.

Social media lit up after a recent episode of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), where Robert Irwin took the floor with a stunning actress during the show's glitzy 20th birthday celebration, and viewers quickly noticed their undeniable chemistry.

Robert Irwin's Performance With the Actress Gets Fans Talking

Comments poured in across platforms. "She looks like his sister," one Instagram follower noted, while another chimed in, "They'd be so cute together 🥰🥰," A third remarked, "They look alike!!!"

On Facebook, the commentary continued. One viewer wrote, "He's a charmer. He's going to seem like he has chemistry with just about anyone. He probably doesn't have a mean bone in his body."

Someone else added, "If they aren't, they should! SO cute together." Another simply stated, "Not true." One different commenter pushed back slightly, "It's their business and none of our [sic]."

Who Robert Irwin Danced With That Sparked Dating Rumors

The reactions stemmed from a high-energy Jive number that aired on November 11, 2025. Irwin, a current contestant, was matched with "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" star Xochitl Gomez — the Mirrorball Champion in 2023 — as part of a group routine.

Wearing coordinated blue outfits, they danced to Olly Murs' "Dance with Me Tonight" alongside fellow cast members Alix Earle and Joey Graziadei.

Although the segment featured multiple dancers, Irwin and Gomez drew special attention for their onstage chemistry and synchronized energy. Viewers quickly zeroed in on their connection, and speculation took off within hours of the broadcast.

Shortly after, TMZ approached Irwin for his take on the growing speculation. While he didn't directly address the dating rumors, he kept the tone light, saying, "Oh my gosh, we had the best time. That dance was so much fun."

Further stirring interest, Irwin shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram reel from rehearsals, featuring Gomez looking amused in the background as he animatedly spoke to the camera. "My dance knowledge has reached a new high with a mirrorball winner in the rehearsal room! @_xochitl.gomez," he captioned his post.

Robert Irwin Once Dated the Niece of a Late Actor

The timing of the spotlight on Irwin's partnership with Gomez also comes less than a year after his breakup with Rorie Buckey, who is the niece of the late actor Heath Ledger.

In February 2024, the pair issued a joint statement on Instagram Story: "We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways but profoundly appreciate all the time spent together and wish one another all the very best into the future."

They added that they wished to express the gratitude and respect they have for one another as they continue their journeys separately. They also requested privacy and stated that they would not comment further.

Irwin and Buckey had been linked since November 2022, made their red carpet debut in July 2023 at the Sydney premiere of "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One," and later attended the Earthshot Prize in Singapore.

The buzz from the group Jive wasn't the only highlight on November 11. Irwin delivered a deeply emotional performance with his dance partner Witney Carson, that revealed a more personal side of his journey.

The duo performed a breathtaking Foxtrot that honored Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, and their late father, Steve Irwin.

Golden Light, Ghostly Footprints, and Graceful Grief

As the lights dimmed and the melodic first notes of Leona Lewis' "Footprints in the Sand" filled the air, a solemn hush fell over the ballroom. Against a backdrop of golden lighting and a trail of solitary footprints etched across the dance floor, Robert and Witney stepped into a moment suspended in time.

Clad in elegant cream-toned attire, the pair moved with a quiet intensity — Witney slipping beneath Robert's arm to gently guide him forward, their synchronized steps echoing the theme of support and remembrance.

What followed was a poetic sequence of flowing arm extensions, soft spins, and intimate footwork that felt less like choreography and more like an open letter to loved ones lost and those still holding on.

Midway through the performance, Witney dropped low to the ground as Robert spun her with effortless grace — an emotional crescendo that drew audible cheers from the audience. But it was the closing moments that left the deepest imprint. Bindi joined them onstage, her presence grounding the tribute in shared history.

Hand-in-hand, the siblings turned toward a floor projection that bloomed with archival footage of their dad and family. As the final notes echoed, Robert crumbled to the floor, overtaken by emotions, while Bindi and Witney knelt beside him, rubbing his back and hugging him in a poignant show of unity and love.

Shortly after the broadcast, the official "DWTS" Instagram account paid homage to the heartfelt routine with a carousel of striking performance stills. The snapshots captured Robert and Witney mid-movement — poised in graceful holds, eyes lifted in unspoken emotion, their matching ivory costumes glowing under the soft golden lights.

Accompanying the post is a caption that reads, "Robert and Witney have left footprints in our heart with their beautiful Foxtrot tribute to his father 🫶 #DWTS20 #DWTS." Within minutes, the comment section filled with heartfelt messages from viewers who were still reeling from the emotion of the night.

Social Media Meltdown: 'I Will Never Emotionally Recover from This'

"IM SOBBING. ABSOLUTELY IN SHAMBLES. SO WELL DESERVED ROBERT. WE ALL LOVE YOU [sic]," exclaimed one passionate viewer, while another echoed the sentiment, "I will never emotionally recover from this." A separate comment read, "No dry eyes watching this!!"

Praise for the performance's technical brilliance and heartfelt execution poured in across the board. One supporter declared, "no [sic] one more deserving of the first perfect score of the season," while another simply stated, "The obvious winner of the season." Adding to the chorus of support, someone else wrote, "MY MIRRORBALL WINNER."

Some fans tied their emotions to the Irwin family's legacy, drawing parallels between the siblings' journeys. "I cried when I watched Bindi's dance 10 years ago, and I cried again watching Robert's. Every movement was perfectly woven into every one of our hearts. Two of the most humble and beautiful souls.🥹🥹🥹👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✨✨✨✨👣👣👣," shared one commenter.

The performance was also hailed as a standout moment of the season. "BEST DANCE OF THE SEASON!!!!" swooned a fan, while another gushed, "JUST WOW!!!!!!! PHENOMENAL 🤍."