He’s the fresh-faced heir to Steve Irwin’s legacy – the khaki-clad charmer who’s wrangled crocs, charmed celebs in the jungle and even lifted the mirrorball on America’s Dancing With The Stars.

But now, Robert Irwin is at the centre of a trans-Pacific tug-of-war, with bombshell reports revealing his staggering asking price for a plum US TV gig – amid mounting fears he’ll wave goodbye to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia forever.

Insiders spill that the 22-year-old heartthrob – fresh from his triumphant DWTS win stateside – is demanding a jaw-dropping payday north of $1 million per season to commit to an American reality or hosting role, with whispers of interest from networks eyeing a wildlife-themed show or even a US version of the jungle format.

One Hollywood source told us: ‘Robert’s hot property right now. After conquering DWTS and boosting his profile massively, his team knows his value. They’re holding out for seven figures – and why not? He’s got the Irwin magic.’

But back home, Channel Ten execs are said to be in a spin, terrified the boy from Beerwah could ditch his co-hosting duties alongside Julia Morris – especially after he reportedly begged producers to release him early from recent commitments, citing exhaustion.

The fears come despite Robert and Julia kicking off the 2026 season with a bang, filming wrapped in South Africa just weeks ago. Yet sources claim the young star is ‘completely under the Hollywood spell’, with family members worried he’ll never fully return to Australia Zoo.

Robert’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. The youngest Irwin, born in 2003, grew up in the glare of cameras at Australia Zoo, feeding crocs before he could tie his shoelaces and stepping into his late dad’s boots with eerie ease.

Tragedy struck when Steve ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin died in 2006 from a stingray barb to the heart – Robert was just two. But alongside mum Terri, sister Bindi and now niece Grace Warrior, he’s kept the family flame burning bright.

From teen photographer to conservation crusader, Robert joined I’m A Celebrity in 2023, earning a reported $430,000-plus for his debut season – a figure that rocketed his profile and landed him a Logie nod.

Paired with comedy queen Julia, their banter became TV gold: him the wide-eyed wildlife whizz, her the razor-sharp queen of quips. Ratings soared, with Robert credited for injecting fresh energy into the veteran show.

But 2025 changed everything. Robert jetted to LA for Dancing With The Stars, partnered with pro Rylee Arnold amid endless romance rumours (both denied it, insisting they’re ‘just mates’). Their chemistry sizzled – and so did the votes.

He stormed to victory, pocketing a base US$125,000 plus bonuses that pushed his earnings well into the hundreds of thousands. Net worth estimates now hover around $8-10 million, bolstered by endorsements, zoo work and his photography passion.

Suddenly, Tinseltown was calling. Offers flooded in: guest spots, wildlife specials, even whispers of a US I’m A Celebrity revival (the format flopped there once, but networks love a redo).

Yet with great opportunity comes great dilemma. Australia Zoo remains the family heartbeat – Terri, 61, still at the helm; Bindi, 27, married to Chandler Powell with little Grace stealing the show in mini khakis.

Sources say Terri has advised caution on big US moves, while Robert himself has teased ‘stranger things have happened’ when quizzed about Hollywood permanence.

One insider revealed: ‘Robert loves the jungle gig – the trials, the celebs, the charity angle. But America’s dazzle is tempting. His asking price reflects that: he won’t jump for peanuts.’

Fans are split. Down Under, they’re pleading: ‘Stay, Rob! You’re our jungle king!’ Stateside, they’re chanting for more.

Recently, Robert debuted a cheeky moustache – shocking mum Terri and sparking Top Gun memes – as he gears up for I’m A Celeb’s January premiere.

But behind the grins, the clock is ticking. Will mega-bucks lure him across the Pacific permanently? Or will loyalty to legacy win out?

One thing’s certain: whatever Robert chooses, he’ll do it with that trademark Irwin enthusiasm.

Crikey, what a crossroads for our favourite wildlife warrior.