Robert Irwin Confirms Single Status Amid Whirlwind Career Schedule

QUEENSLAND, 18 January 2026 – Robert Irwin has set the record straight on his relationship status while navigating one of the busiest periods of his career. The 22-year-old wildlife conservationist and television host confirmed he remains single during a recent national television appearance, just as he prepares to launch the new season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and reunites with his Dancing With the Stars partner.

Setting the Record Straight

During an interview on the Today Show on 12 January, Irwin addressed ongoing speculation about his love life with characteristic good humour. “You guys, I’m still blushing when you bring all that up. Goodness me!” he quipped. “Nothing particularly exciting to report in the love department. I wish there was more I could give you.”

This confirmation comes after months of speculation linking Irwin with various individuals, most notably actress Xochitl Gomez following their collaboration on Dancing With the Stars USA in late 2025. Despite rumours fuelled by their on-screen chemistry and social appearances, Irwin has consistently maintained his single status.

Whirlwind Schedule: From Mirrorball to the Jungle

Irwin’s relationship status comes amid an extraordinarily busy professional period. After winning Dancing With the Stars alongside professional partner Witney Carson on 25 November 2025, Irwin immediately jetted to South Africa to film the 2026 season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which he co-hosts with Julia Morris.

According to Morris, the transition was remarkably swift. “He came directly from the dance floor to the jungle,” Morris told Chattr. “He and Witney and the gang went to do Good Morning America, and then from Good Morning America, he went straight out to the airport.”

Irwin arrived in South Africa and was on set filming the next morning. When asked how he manages such intense schedules, Morris laughed: “He’s 21. That’s how he can do it!” (Irwin actually turned 22 on 1 December 2025).

Reunion With Witney Carson

In a heartwarming development, Witney Carson recently visited Australia Zoo with her family. Carson, who has been sharing her family’s Australian adventure on social media, posted a joyful video announcing their arrival at the zoo, accompanied by AC/DC’s “Back in Black.”

“We are BACK. Team IrWINit reunited @australiazoo,” Carson captioned the post, which showed Irwin emerging from bushes to greet them. Terri Irwin commented: “Wildlife Warriors!”

Carson documented their zoo visit, which included her two-year-old son Jet having a lemur sit on his head, feeding giraffes, and attending Robert’s crocodile feeding show. “Highly recommend letting Robert Irwin plan your zoo visit! He’s the best host,” she wrote.

Future Relationship Prospects

While currently single, Irwin has shared thoughts about his ideal partner. Though he previously expressed interest in meeting an “American girlfriend” while filming Dancing With the Stars, he hasn’t ruled out meeting someone at Australia Zoo, following family tradition.

“Our whole family ends up meeting here at Australia Zoo, so you know what? I guess this is the place to do it,” Irwin said during his Today Show appearance.

In an April 2025 interview with People, Irwin reflected: “It’s funny, I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align.” He noted that both his parents and his sister Bindi met their partners at the zoo, adding: “I look at my parents as inspiration, and I look at my sister. I know there’s someone out there, but they are going to have to be a goer.”

Navigating Public Life

Irwin has previously spoken about the challenges of finding love in the public eye. He hasn’t dated publicly since his split from Rorie Buckey in February 2024. Their nearly two-year relationship was his most significant public romance to date.

The wildlife warrior acknowledges the unique pressures of his position. “I look at my parents as inspiration, and I look at my sister,” he told People. “I know there’s someone out there, but they are going to have to be a goer, they are going to have to be in this lifestyle, it’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere, but I would definitely one day love to, of course, share this wonderful life with someone special.”

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Robert Irwin currently dating anyone?

No, Robert Irwin confirmed during his 12 January 2026 appearance on the Today Show that he is currently single and not in a relationship.

Who was Robert Irwin last publicly linked to?

Robert Irwin was last publicly linked to actress Xochitl Gomez in late 2025 after they danced together on Dancing With the Stars USA and attended several events together. However, these were rumours and neither confirmed a relationship.

Has Robert Irwin ever had a serious relationship?

Yes, Robert Irwin’s most significant public relationship was with Rorie Buckey, niece of the late Heath Ledger. They dated for nearly two years before announcing their split in February 2024.

What does Robert Irwin look for in a partner?

While he hasn’t provided a detailed checklist, Irwin has indicated he wants someone who can embrace his lifestyle. “They are going to have to be a goer, they are going to have to be in this lifestyle, it’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere,” he told People in April 2025.

Where does Robert Irwin think he might meet his future partner?

Irwin hasn’t ruled out meeting someone at Australia Zoo, noting that both his parents and his sister Bindi met their partners there. “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 in January 2026.

How does Robert Irwin handle dating in the public eye?

Irwin acknowledges it’s challenging. He hasn’t dated publicly since his split from Rorie Buckey in 2024 and has spoken about the difficulties of navigating relationships while constantly in the spotlight.