Speculation is swirling among fans of Australian television personality Robert Irwin, with many believing the young conservationist may have sparked a new romantic connection with a long-time American friend. The rumours emerged following a recent diving expedition that included several close companions.
Diving Trip Sparks Relationship Speculation
The I'm a Celebrity host recently embarked on an underwater adventure alongside television personality Dylan Efron and other friends, including American wildlife photographer Ashleigh Sculley. Photographs shared on social media showed Robert, aged twenty-two, and Sculley, aged twenty-three, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in scuba gear, both appearing cheerful and relaxed as they posed for the camera.
Who Is Ashleigh Sculley?
Ashleigh Sculley is a nature enthusiast and accomplished diver originally from New Jersey. According to her social media profiles, she has a particular passion for capturing images in challenging, icy environments. Her photographic work typically focuses on regions including New Jersey, Wyoming, Alaska, Norway, and various ocean locations between these areas.
Beyond her photography career, Sculley boasts an impressive athletic and academic background. She competed as a Division one college athlete for five years and completed a Master's thesis examining the nineteenth century oil and whaling empire, demonstrating both physical and intellectual prowess.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms have been buzzing with commentary about the potential relationship. One TikTok user suggested the photographs represented what they called a relationship "Soft Launch" between Robert and Sculley, with numerous others quickly expressing support for the alleged romance due to the pair's perceived compatibility.
"An American girl who's been a wildlife photographer since she was eight, a division I athlete, and has her masters in literature? Yup she's perfect for him," one enthusiastic supporter wrote online.
Another commenter noted, "The fact that they have been friends for years makes this even cuter." Interestingly, one observer even remarked that Sculley bears a resemblance to Robert's mother, Terri Irwin.
Previous Connections and Shared History
Robert Irwin and Ashleigh Sculley are not strangers to each other's company. The two serve as annual judges for Crikey! Magazine's Photography 2025 Competition, collaborating professionally in the conservation and photography space. Additionally, rumours previously circulated that the pair might have dated during their teenage years after initially meeting in the United States.
The Irwin family maintains strong connections to America. Robert's mother, Terri, was raised in Oregon before migrating to Australia after developing a relationship with the late Steve Irwin, whom she married in the early nineteen nineties. Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, shares a similar trans-Pacific connection, having married American former professional wakeboarder Chandler Powell, with whom she shares daughter Grace.
Robert Irwin's Recent Romantic History
Robert Irwin has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public profile. Most recently, his romantic interests were rumoured to include Dancing with the Stars co-stars Hailey Bills and Xochitl Gomez. The popular television personality famously won the American version of Dancing with the Stars late last year, a full decade after his sister Bindi achieved the same accomplishment.
Robert has yet to formally confirm any new romantic involvement. His last publicly acknowledged relationship ended in February 2024 when he announced his separation from Australian partner Rorie Buckey after approximately eighteen months together. As the speculation continues, fans eagerly await any official confirmation regarding the wildlife presenter's relationship status.
