In the glittering world of Australian reality TV, few names command as much buzz — or as much cash — as Robert Irwin. And as the 2026 season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia explodes onto screens from the wilds of Kruger National Park, explosive new rumours have surfaced claiming the 22-year-old wildlife warrior is pocketing a staggering $3 million for his role as co-host alongside comedy queen Julia Morris.

Industry whispers, leaked to outlets like New Idea and splashed across headlines from Pedestrian.TV to Daily Mail Australia, suggest Robert’s pay packet has skyrocketed in his third season behind the desk. ‘That’s genuinely the ballpark he’s playing in now,’ an insider told New Idea exclusively. ‘A lot of American shows are approaching him hovering around that figure.’

The eye-watering sum marks a monumental leap from his debut hosting gig. Back in 2024, when a then-19-year-old Robert first stepped into the jungle as co-host, reports claimed he earned more than $430,000 for the six-week stint — already impressive for a relative newcomer. Fast-forward to 2026, and the young star’s value has reportedly multiplied sevenfold, fuelled by his triumphant win on the US version of Dancing with the Stars, global fan adoration, and a growing international profile that has Hollywood and US networks circling.

‘Robert Irwin on multi-million-dollar contracts,’ a production source told Daily Mail Australia. ‘That’s the trade-off. With hosts like him, the cast budget gets gutted.’ The comment highlights a growing divide in reality TV economics: while celebrities in the jungle haggle over five- and low-six-figure deals — some reportedly as low as mid-five figures for lesser-known names — the real money flows to the top talent who guarantee ratings and buzz.

The 2026 season, which premiered on January 18 with a groundbreaking pre-recorded format and three filmed finales for the public vote to decide the winner, has already smashed early ratings. Robert’s presence is credited as a major draw. Fresh off lifting the Mirrorball Trophy in the US with partner Xochitl Gomez, the son of the late Steve Irwin has transformed from beloved wildlife kid to bona fide TV star. His infectious enthusiasm, genuine love for animals, and effortless chemistry with Julia Morris have made him indispensable.

‘He’s at home in the jungle,’ the insider added. ‘Producers are willing to work around his jam-packed schedule because he feels at home on set.’ That loyalty comes at a premium. With offers reportedly flooding in from American networks — everything from talk shows to wildlife specials — Channel 10 and producers reportedly dug deep to secure him for another year in Kruger.

Comparisons to Julia Morris’s pay packet add fuel to the fire. While her exact figure for 2026 remains under wraps, rumours from 2023 pegged her at around $700,000 per season — a hefty sum, but one that now pales next to Robert’s alleged haul. The disparity has sparked debate among fans and insiders alike: is the young co-host worth three times what the veteran brings?

‘Good for him,’ one entertainment commentator quipped on social media. ‘The kid’s a global superstar now. After DWTS, he’s earned every cent.’ Others aren’t so sure. ‘Multi-million for hosting while contestants risk bugs and starvation for charity money? Priorities,’ another tweeted.

The salary rumours emerge amid broader revelations about the show’s pay structure. A new tiered contract system has reportedly been introduced for contestants in 2026, limiting earnings based on fame. Household names like Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch) are said to pocket between $150,000 and $180,000, supermodel Rachel Hunter around $140,000 to $170,000, and actor Gary Sweet in the $110,000 to $140,000 range. Mid-tier stars hover in the low six figures, while reality influencers and lesser-knowns scrape by on five figures — some allegedly ‘almost doing it for exposure.’

‘It’s a structured ladder now,’ an insider told Women’s Day. ‘Top tier gets close to $250,000 max, but most are mid-five to low-six. The budget has been funnelled to hosts and production polish.’

That polish is evident in the Kruger setting. Filmed in advance for the first time, the season boasts bigger trials, stunning wildlife encounters, and seamless storytelling — no live filler, just high-stakes drama. Robert’s animal expertise shines: calming terrified celebs during snake challenges, educating on conservation, and injecting joy into every critter-filled moment. Julia’s razor-sharp one-liners keep the energy soaring.

Fans have flooded social media with praise. ‘Robert earning $3m? Legend. He’s the reason I watch,’ one posted. Clips of him gently handling creatures or cracking jokes with Julia have gone viral, racking up millions of views. His post-DWTS glow — complete with new dad vibes after welcoming daughter Everley with wife Hayley Erbert — only adds to the appeal.

But the rumours raise bigger questions about reality TV’s future. As streaming wars heat up and US networks poach talent, how long can Australian shows retain their stars? ‘Offers are flooding in,’ Sky News Australia reported. ‘He’s eyeing a bigger move.’ Yet sources insist Robert remains committed to the family legacy — Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors, and the show that gave him his big break.

‘He knows how special it is,’ one insider said. ‘The jungle feels like home.’

Whether the $3 million figure holds up or proves exaggerated, one thing is clear: Robert Irwin is no longer just Steve’s son. He’s a ratings powerhouse, a conservation ambassador, and now — if the whispers are true — one of the highest-paid hosts in Australian TV history.

As the season unfolds with its shocking trials, emotional campfires, and that nail-biting three-ending finale twist, viewers will be watching not just for who wins the crown — but for every charismatic moment Robert delivers. And if the pay cheque matches the performance? Well, in showbiz, sometimes the wildlife warrior truly gets the biggest bite.

The jungle may be full of surprises, but Robert Irwin’s star continues to rise — and the bank balance along with it.