Dancing With the Stars is already heating up ahead of its 34th season, and it’s all thanks to its first official cast reveal: Robert Irwin, Australian wildlife warrior and certified heartthrob, is headed to the ballroom.
The 21-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin — famously known as the “Crocodile Hunter” — made quite the entrance at Hulu’s Get Real House event on Tuesday, April 22. In true showman style, Irwin appeared shirtless, draped in a live snake, and gave a cheeky nod to two iconic pop culture moments: Britney Spears’ legendary 2001 MTV VMA performance and the cult-favorite 1994 Australian queer film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
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Yes, the snake’s name was Priscilla. Yes, Robert Irwin is here to serve looks, nostalgia, and some serious moves.
DWTS co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, along with judge Derek Hough, introduced Irwin as the season’s first contestant, much to the crowd’s delight. The announcement quickly spread across social media, thanks to a flurry of Instagram Stories capturing Irwin’s bold entrance and backstage moments.
Julianne Hough even got in on the slithery fun, wrapping Priscilla the snake around her neck and channeling full Britney Spears fantasy as Irwin stood by, supervising like a true wildlife pro.
@juleshough My kinda boa 🐍 @Robert Irwin welcome to @Dancing with the Stars DWTS
The moment wasn’t just pure camp — it was a love letter to Irwin’s roots and queer Aussie cinema, with the DWTS crew clearly in on the fun. For fans, it was an announcement that delivered on drama, humor, and undeniable charisma.
And of course, this isn’t the first time the Irwin family has graced the DWTS stage.
Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, competed in Season 21 back in 2015 and stole the hearts of viewers worldwide. Paired with none other than Derek Hough, Bindi went on to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, making her one of the most beloved champions in DWTS history.
“10 years in the making,” Derek Hough wrote in an Instagram Story featuring throwback clips of him and Bindi dancing their way to the top.
Robert’s arrival now feels like a full-circle moment for the Irwin family — and for fans who followed Bindi’s emotional journey a decade ago.
More recently, Robert Irwin has been turning heads with steamy modeling campaigns and a growing presence in the fashion world. But it looks like he’s trading in the billboards and bushland for ballroom glitz and glitter.
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And if his debut appearance is any indication, Irwin is bringing the charm, the cheekbones, and a whole lot of Aussie flair to the dance floor.
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars will premiere soon across Disney+, Hulu, and ABC. With Irwin already making waves as the first confirmed contestant, fans can expect a wild — and wildly entertaining — season ahead.
