In a classic Hollywood sidestep that’s left fans both relieved and still buzzing with curiosity, Robert Irwin – the 22-year-old wildlife warrior and son of the late Steve Irwin – has deftly danced around swirling romance rumors linking him to fellow Dancing With the Stars champion Xochitl Gomez, insisting he’s very much single and “open” to love without confirming or denying the chemistry that’s had everyone talking.

The Australian conservationist, fresh off his triumphant Mirrorball Trophy win on season 34 of the ABC hit in late 2025, addressed the speculation head-on in a candid new interview, laughing off questions about his love life while teasing that he’s “definitely looking” but letting things happen naturally amid his whirlwind schedule.

The caption that’s set social media ablaze sums up the coy charm perfectly: ‘‘DWTS’ Robert Irwin Sidesteps Romance Rumors With Xochitl Gomez‘

It’s the kind of non-answer that only fuels the fire – charming, polite, and perfectly evasive – leaving admirers wondering if there’s more to the story or if the pair are truly just friends who clicked on the dancefloor.

The rumors ignited like wildfire during the show’s 20th anniversary special in November 2025, when Robert and Xochitl – the 19-year-old actress who won season 32 with pro Val Chmerkovskiy – teamed up for a sizzling jive to Olly Murs’ “Dance With Me Tonight.” Their palpable chemistry was impossible to miss: playful eye contact, seamless lifts, and grins that lit up the ballroom. Fans immediately clocked it, flooding comment sections with heart-eyes emojis and “ship” declarations.

Things escalated when Xochitl surprised Robert backstage before the finale, arriving with a massive floral bouquet and sharing hugs, laughter, and what looked like an intimate chat in his trailer. Paparazzi snaps captured the moment, and TMZ grilled Robert as he headed into practice: “Are you and Xochitl a thing?” He swerved masterfully, gushing about how “we had the best time” and how “the two dances were so much fun,” without ever saying “no” or “yes.” The dodge was so smooth it only amped up the intrigue – if nothing was happening, why not shut it down flat?

Sources close to the pair insisted it was pure friendship. An ET insider spilled: “Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez are friends. Robert is a lot younger than the rest of the cast on DWTS and was happy to find someone closer to his own age on the show.” They bonded over shared youth in a cast of older celebs, with Xochitl offering support during his high-pressure run alongside pro partner Witney Carson.

But the whispers persisted. Insiders told outlets like Star Magazine the connection felt “intense,” with Robert reportedly “desperate to see” Xochitl again after heading back to Australia. The 10,000-mile distance – him at Australia Zoo, her in LA pursuing acting gigs like her Marvel roles in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – allegedly cooled any spark. New Idea exclusively claimed things “ended” due to the long-distance strain, with Robert confirming he’s single in a January 2026 Today Show chat.

In his latest sit-down, Robert opened up with trademark Irwin warmth and humor. Asked point-blank if he’s “looking” for love, he laughed: “Oh, definitely. It’s one of these things where I’m like, at this point in my life where you sort of, you gotta let it happen, because I’m so here and there and everywhere and 100 miles per hour.” He teased “watch this space” but admitted “there’s not much to report at the moment,” keeping the door cracked open without spilling details.

The response was classic Robert – genuine, humble, and focused on his passions rather than tabloid drama. Since winning DWTS, he’s been busier than ever: filming wildlife specials, running Australia Zoo initiatives, and honoring his dad’s legacy. Dating, he hinted, takes a backseat to his fast-paced life, but he’s “open” when the right person comes along.

Xochitl, meanwhile, has playfully addressed her own status. In a late-2025 interview, she giggled when asked if she’s single: “Yes, I am. Yes, yes, I am.” Yet her social media – liking Robert’s posts, sharing throwbacks from their DWTS duet – keeps fans speculating. Neither has outright denied romance; they’ve just let the friendship narrative stand while dodging direct questions.

Fans are divided and delighted. Supporters ship them hard: “Robert and Xochitl’s chemistry was electric – they’d be the cutest couple! 🌹” one viral comment read. Others defend the platonic angle: “They’re just young friends who bonded on a crazy show. Let them live without forcing a romance.” Vietnamese fans in Hanoi (where Robert’s conservation work has a big following) are especially invested: “Robert deserves happiness after everything – if it’s Xochitl or someone else, we’re rooting for him!”

The rumors fit a pattern in Robert’s love life. He dated Rorie Buckey (niece of Heath Ledger) from 2022 to early 2024, a sweet romance that ended amicably amid busy schedules. Post-breakup, he’s stayed low-key, focusing on career and family – sister Bindi’s wildlife empire, mum Terri’s advocacy, and his own photography/vlogging.

Xochitl, rising star of Disney and Marvel, has kept her personal life private too. Her DWTS win made her a household name, and her support for Robert felt genuine – a fellow young celeb navigating fame’s pressures.

Whether it’s friendship or the start of something more, the sidestep keeps everyone guessing. Robert’s charm lies in his authenticity: no games, no scandals, just a guy passionate about animals, family, and – apparently – open to love when timing aligns.

As he jets between continents saving wildlife, fans watch for clues. A surprise LA visit? A joint conservation project? Or just more adorable friendship posts?

For now, Robert Irwin has sidestepped the rumors with grace, leaving the door ajar for whatever comes next. In a world of oversharing celebs, his quiet mystery is refreshingly sweet.

The dance may be over, but the speculation? That’s just getting started.