I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! might be over for another year, but Robert Irwin is rumoured to be returning to TV with a brand new project in the next few months.
The 22-year-old conservationist is reportedly the frontrunner to host a Dancing With The Stars spinoff in the US titled Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro. Robert famously won last year’s season of the reality TV competition, so it’s no surprise that producers want to capitalise on the hype.
“The job isn’t 100 per cent locked in, and multiple names are reportedly competing for the role he’s eyeing, but the fact Robert was even in the mix has sparked a fresh wave of ‘what is happening’ energy among global fans,” a source close to the US production told PEDESTRIAN.TV.
The Next Pro will follow a group of up-and-coming professional dancers hoping to land a coveted pro dancer spot on a future season of Dancing With The Stars. The contestants will live together while navigating a high-pressure audition process designed to test not only talent, but also endurance, resilience, and presumably their ability to function while sleep-deprived and covered in fake tan.
Robert Irwin’s rumoured co-host
Insiders told P.TV that Robert completed screen tests for the series late last year, and producers have reportedly floated the idea of pairing him with his sister Bindi Irwin.
“It’s almost suspiciously perfect,” the source said. “They have built-in chemistry, decades of television experience, and Bindi also happens to be a former Dancing With The Stars champion.”
Another suggested co-host is Robert’s former dance partner and longtime pro Witney Carson, who has been a part of the series since 2014.
“Their partnership was a genuine breakout success, audiences loved their dynamic and reality TV absolutely thrives on familiar faces with proven on-screen magic,” the source added.
“But hosting a shiny American competition spinoff isn’t just about chemistry — it’s about energy. Specifically, the ability to handle big personalities, high stakes, and the inevitable reality TV chaos that comes with a house full of hyper-competitive performers.”
At this stage, nothing is officially confirmed, but the mere possibility of Robert embedding himself further into the Dancing With The Stars ecosystem has already achieved what reality TV does best — getting people talking.
Who else will appear on Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro?
According to Variety, three-time Dancing With The Stars winner Mark Ballas is being eyed to judge The Next Pro alongside his mother Shirley Ballas. Known as “The Queen of Latin”, Shirley has served as the head judge on the UK series Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. A rotating mentor or pro will reportedly join them each week, similar to how the main show’s judging panel works.
If the mother-and-son are locked in as judges, it would only make sense to have a sibling duo like Robert and Bindi host the series. Heck, throw in their mum Terri Irwin as a roving reporter or Geordie Shore-style “house boss” while we’re at it.
The Next Pro is tipped to air in mid-2026 ahead of the 35th season of Dancing With The Stars — and if Robert does land the hosting role, can we please make sure the series is available to watch in Australia?!
