Robert Irwin is heading back to the ballroom for his next big career move. After taking home the mirrorball trophy last year on the US version of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), the popular wildlife conservationist wowed audiences worldwide with his impressive performances.
Now, he’s returning to the DWTS studio, this time not as a contestant but as host of a new spin-off called Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. The new spin-off aims to discover the next standout professional dancer to join the show’s line-up, following top dancers as they compete for a coveted spot as a professional on the franchise.
“For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro,” Irwin said in a teaser for the show. “Let the fiercest dance battle begin.”
Dressed in a cream vest and showing off his toned biceps, Irwin shared a series of photos and videos from the promotional trail, alongside his former dance partner, Witney Carson. “I am so excited to be back with my ballroom family to host this new era of DWTS,” Irwin wrote on Instagram.
When Irwin competed on DWTS last year, expectations were already high as his sister Bindi won the competition in 2015. A fan favourite from the outset, Irwin went on to win the 2025 finale, beating gymnast Jordan Chiles and Dylan Efron. Despite having no formal dance experience, the 21-year-old consistently impressed judges, earning multiple perfect scores throughout the season.
“I wish he could see it. I really wish he could be here,” Robert said at the time, paying tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin. “My sister said it best: thank you for changing my life.”
