Wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin has shared a heartwarming reunion with his former Dancing With The Stars US partner, professional dancer Witney Carson. The pair, who triumphed on the American version of the show in November last year, were reunited at Australia Zoo this week, where Carson was introduced to the Irwin family's world alongside her own family.
A Khaki-Clad Family Adventure
In a charming video posted to his Instagram, the 22-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin is seen joyfully dancing into frame, holding the hands of both Witney, 31, and her husband, Carson McAllister. The clip also features the couple's two young sons, Kevin Leo and Jet Carson. For their visit to the famous Queensland wildlife sanctuary, the whole group dressed in the zoo's signature khaki attire.
The family-friendly outing included close encounters with some of the zoo's residents. Witney was pictured cuddling lemurs, before everyone gathered to watch Robert host the zoo's legendary crocodile show, a staple of the Irwin legacy. Robert captioned the post, "We are BACK. Team IrWINit reunited," a playful nod to their successful partnership on the dance floor.
Putting Romance Rumours to Rest
This wholesome gathering served to firmly quash any lingering speculation about a romance between the two stars, which had initially been sparked by their undeniable chemistry during their Dancing With The Stars run. Fans had quickly noted their sizzling performances, including a particularly "hot" tango, leading to whispers.
However, Witney Carson has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Carson McAllister, since 2016. The presence of her husband and children at the zoo underscored the purely platonic and professional nature of her bond with Robert. The Australian star has previously hailed Witney as "the best dance partner," highlighting their strong working relationship.
Robert Irwin's Dating Life in the Spotlight
While not linked to Witney, Robert Irwin's personal life has become a topic of interest following his rise to fame in the United States. A recent report by New Idea magazine suggested the young conservationist is "in no rush to settle down" and is keeping his options open.
He was recently rumoured to be dating 19-year-old American professional dancer Hailey Bills. Furthermore, celebrity gossip account Deux Moi claimed he 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 Dancing With The Stars in 2023, previously danced with Robert for a special 20th-anniversary episode of the show, where viewers again noted their on-screen chemistry.
The report characterised Robert as looking for "'Miss right now' and not 'Miss right'," suggesting he is currently focused on his burgeoning career and enjoying his newfound Hollywood profile.
