Robert Irwin Sparks Dating Rumors – Who Could His New Love Be?

The question of who Robert Irwin is dating is quickly becoming the biggest mystery outside the ballroom. The 21-year-old "DWTS" star has captured hearts, and his careful responses have only intensified fan speculation about his two rumored American romances.

Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is facing growing speculation about his love life. The rumors started after he performed a lively jive on "Dancing With the Stars" with former 16-year-old Mirrorball champion Xochitl Gomez.

The pair's energetic routine on November 11, 2025, immediately fueled talk of a romance. Their dance was part of the show's 20th-anniversary celebration. The intense chemistry between the two stars made many fans wonder if they are dating off-screen.

Robert Irwin's Response to Dating Questions

When asked directly about the dating rumors by TMZ, Robert skillfully avoided a clear answer. He chose to focus on his positive experience dancing with the "Marvel" actress.

Robert told the news outlet, "Oh my gosh, we had the best time." He emphasized how much fun the dance was. The jive routine with Xochitl was part of the Dance Relay segment.

He explained how much he enjoyed performing two very different dances that night. Robert performed a slow, heartfelt foxtrot with his pro partner Witney Carson earlier in the episode. He then had the high-energy relay dance.

Robert said, "It was so cool to do two, such distinct dances. "Like, one that was really slow and heartfelt. And then the dance with Xochitl which was just like energy and fun. She's the best, it's been really, really great," Robert added about Xochitl. He did not confirm or deny the dating speculation.

On another occasion, Robert was asked how he felt about fans shipping him with Xochitl and what it was like to work with her. To this, he responded, "Can I say honestly? Working with Xochitl was the most fun ever." He called her the most amazing dancer and admired how quickly she picked up all the moves in five minutes — something which took him weeks to get the hang of.

In a separate interview published on November 12, Robert also praised Xochitl's approach to the routine. He told Deadline, "The thing that Xochitl brings is so much energy and fun and passion. It feels like we're so on the same wavelength when it comes to approaching the jive. We're like, 'Make sure it's really fun and then Witney can come in and make sure your toes are pointed.'"

Robert's pro partner, Witney, also commented on the pair's rehearsal time. She joked, "I never felt more old than when they were in the studio. There were just lots of giggles and lots of I don't even know. But they are extremely hard workers and they got the job done."

Fan Reactions to the Performance

Robert and Xochitl's performance, set to "Dance with Me Tonight" by Olly Murs, increased fan desire for a romance. The duo shared the segment with Alix Earle and Joey Graziadei.

Fans flooded social media with comments about the couple's chemistry. Some people pointed out a flirty moment during the performance.

One person expressed, "I ship Robert and xochitl, they look so cute together [sic]." Another responded, "I came to say this." One fan stated, "They're so cute together loved it!! Go Robert [sic]!!"

Another netizen pointed out a quick move, writing, "Anyone else only noticing on rewatch that Robert kissed Xochitl's hand?" A response to that comment read, "Yeah it happened so fast but I noticed he did kiss her hand, I wonder if that was planned or he just wanted to do it [sic]?"

Another person commented on a moment in the routine, "That flirty move at 0:25 to 0:26. So cute!" Yet another admirer dreamily added, "Hi are Robert and Xochtil gonna date [sic]?" Another fan quickly chimed in, "We want to see Robert and Xochitl as a couple. Waiting for Whitney's APPROVAL."

More comments from fans on TikTok showed their excitement. One netizen penned, "I'm gonna start a rumour 🙈🤭." Another quipped, "witney's smirk is all i need [sic]." One person asked, "So when's the wedding [sic]?" Another fan gushed, "I feel like he's got a big crush on her."

Fans also closely watched the reaction of Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, who was in the audience. She won the competition in Season 21. Under a video of the dance, a fan opined, "3:10 Bindi doesn't seem very happy about the chemistry [sic]!"

Responses to this comment varied. One person replied, "I noticed that too. She may not like her baby brother being paired up with anybody now or she may have someone else in mind for him. Anyway, she clearly didn't like the chemistry comment." Another person had a different view, simply stating, "She's literally smiling lol."

The Xochitl Gomez Connection Deepens

The speculation that Robert is dating Xochitl has increased following their "Dancing With the Stars" performance. Xochitl is a Mexican-American actress best known for her role as America Chavez in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." She was the winner of Season 32 of "DWTS" with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.

An insider claimed that Robert and Xochitl have continued to spend time together outside of rehearsals. "She's come to rehearsals, they've gone out to eat or went for walks. They seem like lifelong best friends, but there is for sure some flirting going on there," the source shared with The U.S. Sun.

Further fueling the rumors, an anonymous tipster shared, "This celebrity animal loving guy on this seasons DWTS was spotted on an Erewhon date with his guest celebrity partner from last weeks episode."

The Hailey Bills Rumors

The potential romance with Xochitl is complicated by earlier rumors involving "DWTS" troupe member Hailey Bills. Hailey, 19, is the niece of pro dancer Jenna Johnson. She made her debut in the troupe this season. She is also a student at Brigham Young University.

Fans began speculating about Robert and Hailey as early as October 28. This was when Robert posted an Instagram Stories clip of them dancing. The Daily Mail reported that an anonymous email tip to DeuxMoi also mentioned a rumored romance.

The tipster alluded to a troupe member being the only one Robert follows on social media. The tip allegedly read, "Everyone's favorite DWTS bachelor has paused his search for his American dream girl to have some play time beyond the ballroom."

The tipster continued, "My sources tell me he's been spotted a few times getting cosy with a brunette... The same one he follows around on set. She's the only troupe member he follows on Instagram."

An insider claimed to The U.S. Sun, "He also still remains close with Hailey [Bills] on the cast too, so he's turned into quite the ladies' man on set. A lot of girls are into Robert, he's trying to juggle it all while still remaining thoughtful and respectful."

Another source previously spilled, "Robert's been chasing Hailey around on set like a puppy dog. The insider said the crew is supportive of the pair, further stating, "There's definitely a lot of attraction there, definitely a lot of flirting."

However, the insider claimed that Robert and Hailey are not yet officially dating, adding, "They aren't in a relationship, but the attraction is there, it's heading in that direction."

Ultimately, the source noted, "At the end of the day, [Robert's] eye is on the prize and he's staying focused on the competition. But when it's over, he will have his pick of options for his personal life."

Robert's Search for Love and Sister Bindi's Matchmaking

Robert has made it clear that he is looking for an American girlfriend. He wants a relationship like his parents, Steve and Terri Irwin.

Robert explained the family trend to People Magazine in September 2025. "My mom and dad met when she was this American tourist coming over to Australia, and that's also how my sister met her husband," he said.

He concluded, "So I look at my mom, I look at my dad and I'm like, that's it. That's who I want to be. That's a perfect relationship." The conservationist confirmed to People, "I'm still waiting for it. That American tourist is not quite lined up."

Robert is hoping for a partner who can match his adventurous lifestyle. He shared with E! News, "My life is a whirlwind, it's an adventure. I would love to be able to share that with someone and to share those little moments. I have a lot of great role models in the love department and a lot of people I look up to and go, 'Wow, couples goals.' So I want to find that."

His dance partner, Witney, has jokingly taken on the role of matchmaker. "Well, you have to go through a screening process," she revealed during an exclusive interview. "So submit your applications through my DMs, and then I will forward them to Bindi [Irwin], and then — then we will see about the American tourist."

Robert quipped, "I've got another protective older sister now." Witney then teased him, saying, "You will be single forever!"

A few days later, Witney thanked fans for their interest. She wrote via her Instagram Stories, "Girls, I love ya [and] thank you for the applications through somehow my email and flooding the DMs."

Robert's popularity on "DWTS" has even led to talk about him becoming the next star of "The Bachelor." When asked about the idea, Robert did not rule it out. He told Entertainment Tonight with a smile, "The Bachelor, you reckon? Hey, I mean, never say never." He added, "I mean, I'm looking for the perfect person. So stranger things have happened."

No Showmance with Witney Carson

There was also brief speculation about a showmance between Robert and his professional partner, Witney, who have a 10-year age difference. This was due to their visible chemistry and sweet social media posts. Robert Irwin repeatedly praised Witney as "the most incredible teacher." He called their partnership perfect.

However, this rumor was quickly dismissed. Witney, age 32, is married to her high school sweetheart, Carson McAllister. They have two sons.

He has not confirmed dating either woman. Whether his potential American tourist is the former Mirrorball champion or the familiar troupe dancer remains to be seen. For now, the wildlife warrior continues to juggle his focus on the competition with a newfound popularity in his personal life.