Dancing with the Stars has been renewed for Season 34, and the first celebrity contestant competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy has been announced: Robert Irwin. The son of legendary conservationists Terri and the late Steve Irwin, Robert is also not the first member of the family to showcase his dancing skills, as his sister Bindi Irwin competed in Season 21, winning the competition with her dancing pro partner, Derek Hough.
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This is a tough act to follow for Robert, but he is clearly up to the challenge. The news of his casting was shared on the official Dancing with the Stars Instagram page, along with a message about how his “dream” from ten years ago was now becoming a reality.
What Has Robert Irwin Said About Joining DWTS
Bindi’s experience on the show was a key factor that led Robert to participate in the upcoming season. “I remember so vividly. I was 11 years old when she did the show, a decade ago,” he told E! News. “I just sat there watching in the crowd every night. I was so proud of her.”
He continued, “She described the feeling as flying. I just thought, ‘One day, that’s gonna be me.’ Now, here we are. It’s a reality. It doesn’t feel real yet, but I’m ready to hit the ballroom.” And like his sister, he is dedicated to performing to the best of his abilities, telling the outlet that he would give it “110 percent.”
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After the official announcement that Robert would be joining Dancing with the Stars, he posted a short clip on Instagram to celebrate the moment. The clip is a throwback to when he was 11 years old and watching his sister perform. “11-year-old me is beside himself right now,” he captioned the post. “Bindi, thank you for inspiring me to take on this next adventure.” He also thanked the show for allowing him to compete, referring to it as a “life-changing experience.”
Bindi Irwin Shows Her Support For Her Brother Robert Irwin As He Joins DWTS
Bindi Irwin has publicly shown her support for her brother Robert joining Season 34 of the reality TV dancing competition. She took to Instagram to post a reflection on her own experience and encourage her brother. “DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 34 – 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,” she wrote in the caption.
Bindi also informed fans that she would be supporting Robert’s “extraordinary journey” by watching him perform every week. To conclude her message, she reminisced about her win alongside Derek Hough, referring to him as “the most remarkable human being.”
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Hough has also commented on Robert’s inclusion on the show. “It’s been 10 years since that little guy was on that front row rooting for [his sister],” Hough said. “To see the man that he’s become in 10 years is pretty amazing. We’re really lucky to have him.”
More information on the judges, the pro dancers, and other contestants who will compete in Season 34 has not yet been announced, but for now, we can celebrate Robert Irwin’s casting.
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