Wildlife presenter Robert Irwin was left visibly flustered 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 a deep red. "You guys, I'm still blushing when you bring all that up. Goodness me!" he exclaimed, turning away from the camera in embarrassment. He went on to play down any speculation, stating, "Nothing particularly exciting to report in the love department. I wish there was more I could give you."
Irwin then mused that his best chance of meeting someone might be at the family's workplace, Australia Zoo in Queensland. He noted that both his mother, Terri, met his father Steve there, and his sister Bindi met her husband, American Chandler Powell, on the grounds. "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, prompting the hosts to jokingly suggest single viewers should flock to the zoo.
Rumoured Links to Hollywood Stars
Despite his coy television appearance, Irwin has been the subject of numerous dating rumours in recent months. His rising profile, bolstered by a stint on Dancing With the Stars US, has placed him firmly in the celebrity spotlight.
He was recently linked to 19-year-old American professional dancer Hailey Bills. Furthermore, the celebrity gossip account Deux Moi claimed Irwin was spotted 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, danced with Irwin during the show's 20th-anniversary special, where viewers noted their apparent on-screen chemistry.
"In No Rush to Settle Down"
According to a report by New Idea magazine, Irwin 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 burgeoning career.
This follows his split from long-term girlfriend Rorie Buckey in February 2024. In a previous interview on the Today show in November 2024, Irwin confirmed there was "no one special" in his life at that time and admitted navigating dating in the public eye was challenging.
For now, it seems Australia's most eligible bachelor is content to let fate—and perhaps a chance encounter at Australia Zoo—take its course.
