If you’ve spent more than five minutes on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the "thirsty" edits. Robert Irwin, the kid we all remember as the pint-sized "Wildlife Warrior," has officially grown up. He’s 21, he’s got that trademark Irwin charm, and after a shirt-ripping performance on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 34, the internet basically decided he’s the only logical choice for the next leading man in Bachelor Nation.
But is Robert Irwin the next Bachelor, or is this just another case of fans manifesting a reality TV fever dream?
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Let’s look at the facts. Honestly, the rumors didn't just appear out of thin air. They started because Robert himself—and his very protective dance partner, Witney Carson—haven’t exactly shut the door. They’ve just sort of left it unlatched while everyone watches through the window.
Why the Bachelor Rumors Are Exploding
The timeline is pretty clear. In late 2025, while competing on the American version of Dancing with the Stars, Robert was asked point-blank about joining another ABC reality franchise. You know the one. The one with the roses.
His response? "Stranger things have happened."
He followed that up with a cheeky "Watch this space." Naturally, the internet lost its collective mind. People started photoshopping him in a tuxedo holding a rose with a carpet python around his neck. It fits the brand, right?
His dance partner, Witney Carson, has been acting like a protective older sister the whole time. She’s gone on record saying she’s currently "screening" his DMs because they are absolutely flooded. She even joked on Instagram about "Robert for The Bachelor," though she usually follows it up with a "No way" because she thinks the show might be a bit too "toxic" for someone as wholesome as an Irwin.
The Relationship Status Situation
To be the Bachelor, you kind of need to be single. Robert is.
He split from Rorie Buckey—the niece of the late Heath Ledger—back in February 2024. Since then, he’s been the subject of endless speculation. There were rumors about him and Marvel star Xochitl Gomez after their chemistry on the DWTS dance floor became a talking point for the judges. Then there were whispers about Australia Zoo staffer Charlotte Briggs.
But as of January 2026, Robert is officially unattached. He’s told People and E! News repeatedly that he’s "waiting for the stars to align."
He’s also been very specific about what he’s looking for. He wants his own "American tourist" love story. For those who don't know the lore, his dad (Steve) met his mom (Terri) while she was a tourist at the zoo. His sister Bindi also met her husband, Chandler Powell, at the zoo. Robert is basically looking for lightning to strike twice in the same enclosure.
The Reality Check: Why It Might Not Happen
Before we all start picking out wedding guest outfits for a televised zoo wedding, we have to talk about the hurdles.
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First off, there’s the age thing. Robert is 21. While that’s legal, it’s young for a lead. Most Bachelor leads are in their late 20s or 30s. Some fans find the idea of a 21-year-old "finding a wife" on TV a little... intense.
Then there’s his "I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!" hosting gig. He’s already back in the jungle for the 2026 season with Julia Morris. His schedule is packed with conservation work, photography, and running a literal zoo. Fitting in two months of filming in a mansion in California or Australia seems like a logistical nightmare.
Julia Morris herself weighed in on the rumors, telling the Confessions of a Reality Star podcast that she would be "shocked to her very foundations" if Robert did the show. Her reasoning? He’s too private. She believes that despite his public life, his real romance belongs behind closed doors.
What Robert Actually Said
When pushed by The New York Times in late 2025 about dating in the spotlight, he called it "holy moly, challenging to navigate." He’s hyper-aware that anything he does ends up on TikTok the next day.
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Would someone who finds the spotlight "challenging" really sign up for a show where his every kiss is filmed in 4K?
Maybe. He’s also admitted that he likes to use the "thirst" and the attention to pivot back to his real passion: wildlife. If being the Bachelor means 10 million more people care about rhinoceros conservation, he might just do it.
The Verdict for 2026
As of right now, there is no official confirmation from ABC or Network 10 that Robert Irwin has signed on as the next Bachelor.
However, the "never say never" attitude he’s sporting suggests that the door is wider open than it’s ever been. He’s already part of the Disney/ABC family through DWTS. He’s single. He’s incredibly popular.
If it does happen, don't expect a typical season. It would likely be the most wholesome, animal-heavy season of television in history. Think less "fantasy suite" and more "camping with crocodiles."
What to keep an eye on:
- Casting Announcements: The 2026 casting cycles for the US and Australian versions of the show usually finalize in the first half of the year.
- The "American Tourist" Hunt: Robert has joked about finding a girl in the States. If he stays in LA after his recent TV success, the chances of an ABC-produced season skyrocket.
- Social Media Hints: Watch Witney Carson’s stories. She’s been the primary "leaker" of Robert’s dating life and seems to love teasing the fans.
For now, we just have to wait and see if he decides to trade the khaki for a tuxedo. It’s a long shot, but in the world of reality TV, "stranger things" really have happened.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're following this story, keep a close watch on the official Bachelor social media channels over the next three months. Casting leaks for the summer/fall seasons usually start surfacing around April. Additionally, Robert's upcoming appearances on the 2026 season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! will likely feature more "interrogations" from his co-host Julia Morris about his love life, which is where the most candid updates usually slip out.