Crikey! Dancing With The Stars announced Tuesday that Robert Irwin will be the first celebrity to join the upcoming season.
The first celebrity competitor of the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars has been announced and it’s none other than conservationist and zookeeper Robert Irwin. The news comes ten years after Robert’s sister, Bindi, won the show with her professional partner Derek Hough.
The news was announced at Disney Entertainment Television’s Get Real event Tuesday, April 22. DWTS hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro introduced Irwin to the audience, saying, “Are you guys ready to get wild? Because this is an irresistible animal lover…who also happened to do something in boxers recently,” Julianne said in reference to Robert’s recent campaign with Bonds underwear.
When Robert was announced, he made his way through the crowd without a shirt on and with a snake around his neck.
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Irwin, 21, told event attendees that his sister’s DWTS journey inspired him to compete.
“I cannot tell you what a privilege, what an honor it is to be joining this season,” he said. “I said, ‘One day, that’s gonna be me.’ And now, that dream is a reality, and I am over the moon. Let’s do this!”
Robert’s sister Bindi reacted to the news and shared her support for her brother.
Shortly after the announcement was made, Bindi, 26, took to social media to share her excitement, saying:
“LET’S GOOOO! Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved. Can’t wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness, and determination. Here’s to an extraordinary journey ahead.”
Bindi reflected on her own DWTS appearance and shared her disbelief that a decade had already passed since she won the coveted mirrorball trophy. Her pro partner, Derek Hough, responded in the comments, saying, “Another Irwin in the arena ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ love you Bindles.”
A premiere date for Season 24 of Dancing With The Stars has not been announced. A full cast announcement will be made at a later date.
About Robert Irwin
Robert Irwin followed in the footsteps of his famous dad, Steve Irwin aka The Crocodile Hunter. Robert was only 2 when his dad was fatally stung by a stingray in 2006. Steve was 44.
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After Steve’s death, his family carried on his legacy through wildlife conservation and education. Robert, his mom Terri, sister Bindi, and brother-in-law Chandler work at the Australia Zoo where Steve got his start. Steve is credited with founding the zoo that was once Queensland’s East Coast Crocodile Management program. Steve took over management of the program in 1991 and renamed it Australia Zoo 7 years later.
Robert not only looks like his late father but shares his affection for crocodiles. The youngest Irwin is often seen feeding and wrestling crocodiles at the zoo, an activity that earned his dad the nickname “The Crocodile Hunter.”
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