Wildlife presenter Robert Irwin was left visibly flustered and blushing during a live television appearance after hosts probed him about his romantic status. The 22-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin appeared on Channel Nine's Today show on Monday, where conversation swiftly turned to his personal life.
A Blushing Admission on National TV
When directly asked if he was currently single, Irwin's face flushed red and he turned away from the camera. "You guys, I'm still blushing when you bring all that up. Goodness me!" he exclaimed. He went on to admit, "Nothing particularly exciting to report in the love department. I wish there was more I could give you."
Robert then mused that his best chance of meeting someone might be at Australia Zoo, the family's wildlife park in Queensland. He noted it was where his mother, Terri, met his father, Steve, and where his sister Bindi met her husband, Chandler Powell. "Our whole family ends up meeting here at Australia Zoo so you know what? I guess this is the place to do it," he said.
The show's hosts jokingly suggested that eligible single women should now flock to the zoo, prompting Robert to cry out, "Oh gosh! What have I done!" once again turning a bright shade of red.
Rumoured Links to Hollywood Stars
This line of questioning comes amid persistent rumours about Irwin's dating life, particularly following his headline-making stint on Dancing With the Stars US. Reports have recently linked him to two young American stars.
He was rumoured to be dating 19-year-old professional dancer Hailey Bills. Furthermore, the celebrity gossip account Deux Moi claimed Robert was seen on what appeared to be a date with 19-year-old actress Xochitl Gomez at the upmarket Los Angeles grocery store Erewhon. Gomez, who won Season 32 of Dancing With the Stars in 2023, had previously danced with Irwin during a special 20th-anniversary episode of the show, where viewers noted their apparent on-screen chemistry.
"In No Rush to Settle Down"
According to a report by New Idea magazine, Robert is currently "in no rush to settle down" and is keeping his options open. The magazine suggested he is looking for "Miss right now" rather than "Miss right," and is focused on enjoying his newfound Hollywood profile.
This follows his split from long-term girlfriend Rorie Buckey in February 2024. In November of the same year, he confessed on the Today show that there was "no one special" in his life at that time. He also acknowledged the challenges of navigating dating in the public eye, stating, "That's an interesting world to navigate as well with [being in] the public eye and that sort of thing."
