Wildlife photographer and television personality Robert Irwin is facing a significant setback just hours before the highly anticipated season 34 finale of Dancing With The Stars. The 21-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin has sustained a painful injury to his ribs, throwing his final performance into question.
A Stressful Update From The Dance Floor
The concerning news was delivered by Irwin's professional dance partner, Witney Carson, in a candid TikTok video posted on Monday. Carson described the situation as 'stressful' but was quick to reassure fans that Irwin remains determined to compete in the live finale airing on Tuesday.
'Today at blocking it is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together,' Carson explained in a 'get ready with me' style reel. She then revealed the core of the problem: 'Robert's ribs have been killing him.'
Carson promised that more details would be revealed during the Tuesday broadcast, giving viewers a clearer picture of the challenges the pair has been confronting throughout the week. The injury has forced the professional dancer to make last-minute 'changes' to their routine, including adjustments that involve the other dancers in their performance.
Battling Through The Pain For The Finale
'So, it's just honestly the most stressful part because this is just getting it all together and it's gonna take some time, and we're gonna have to run it a lot and just make sure that everything is coming together for Tuesday,' Carson shared, highlighting the immense pressure of the final rehearsals.
Despite the physical toll, both dancers reflected on their positive journey throughout the competition. Carson gushed about her experience partnering with Irwin, stating, 'I really do feel like I've already won in this experience with Robert as my partner.' She described the entire season as feeling 'like the biggest gift.'
The professional dancer also expressed gratitude for the votes that secured their place in the finale, admitting that while the season's end feels 'surreal', their bodies are certainly 'feeling it.' 'We're like, kind of falling apart right now,' Carson said with a laugh. 'Just trying to keep it together for, like, two more days...'
A Season of Highs and Near-Misses
This is not the first health scare Irwin has faced during this season of Dancing With The Stars. Earlier this month, the TV personality revealed he had a near-death experience after a performance. 'I almost died tonight!' he told Entertainment Tonight. 'I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance!'
Irwin clarified that he wasn't 'actually' choking but found himself unable to breathe after inhaling the confetti. In a moment of panic, he signalled to his dance partner for help before the piece dislodged itself.
Despite the rib injury, Irwin took to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday to share a short, emotional clip with his followers, captioned: 'See you soon America.' In the video, filmed during what appeared to be final rehearsals, he sat next to Carson and reflected on their journey.
'Witney, this is it,' Irwin began, to which Carson sadly replied, 'I know.' Irwin continued, 'I'm not ready for it to be over. I can't believe this is it.' He then gave a heartfelt shout-out to his partner: 'Thank you so much for the greatest experience of my whole life. It has been amazing.'
Irwin is one of five finalists competing in the three-hour finale, alongside Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix. According to the live prediction market Kalshi, Irwin currently has a 49% chance of winning the Mirrorball Trophy, with Alix Earle slightly ahead at 54%.
This competition holds a special significance for the Irwin family. Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, famously competed on and won Dancing With The Stars during season 21 when she was just 17 years old.
On Monday, Irwin penned a reflective post on Instagram, writing: 'Dancing With the Stars has changed my life in a lot of ways. But being part of this experience with Witney has been my favourite part.' He concluded with the bittersweet note, 'We've made it to the finale, and it's bittersweet… one last chance to dance.'
