Once upon a time (well, in 2003) a baby was born at the Australia Zoo. He had bright blonde hair, a toothy grin, and a last name that carried a whole kingdom of khakis and crocodiles. They called him Robert Irwin, son of Steve “Crikey” Irwin, brother to Bindi , and heir to a wildlife dynasty. The rise of Robert Irwin had just begun.
But who knew that Baby Bob, who once giggled at wombats and bottle-fed kangaroos, would become the unexpected sex symbol of 2025?
Let’s back up.
For years, Robert was known as the charming, animal-loving Aussie who made us cry on talk shows whenever he mentioned his late dad. He wrangled snakes, saved koalas, and made Gen Z swoon with his unexpectedly dreamy blue eyes and “sensitive conservationist” energy. His animal videos on TikTok quietly amassed millions of views – but baby Bob has been openly looking for change over the last few years.
The DWTS Debut That Changed Everything
It wasn’t until his recent appearance on the US version of Dancing With the Stars that the cultural obsession truly detonated.
Week 1: This one was cute
Week 2: This one was graceful.
Week 3: This one was the shirtless Salsa. And the world lost its collective mind.
TikTok exploded. The YouTube videos of his dances amassed millions of viewers. Grandmas clutched their pearls. Gen X mums tweeted things they should probably run by HR. A few women (and let’s be honest, a lot) admitted they felt “a little bit creepy” for their Robert devotion. Not because of his age. I mean he’s 22 and fully grown, but because he still feels like the kid who showed us how to feed a wallaby.
That didn’t stop the flood.
“He made me feel like a grandmother!” gasped judge Carrie Ann Inaba after his smouldering salsa. “Put your shirt back on!”
The Fan Frenzy
But did he? No, he did not. And his growing army of fans can’t get enough.
Many expressed their displeasure at DWTS judges declaring his week 3 score (a respectable 22/30) as “diabolical,” a “robbery,” and “a crime against dance and humanity.”
One fan swooned, “[I don’t care] what the judges say he can do no wrong in my eyes.” Another said, “I need oxygen,” after the salsa aired. Another demanded the show end immediately and just hand him the trophy.
Former DWTS champ, Bindi Irwin showed up in the audience (in matching pink gowns with her daughter Grace. CUTE!), beaming with pride – and probably wondering why half the internet was thirst-tweeting her brother .
That Bonds Campaign: Robert Irwin’s Model Moment
The rise of Robert Irwin has not happened by accident. The DWTS move has been hot on the heels of some strategic rebranding by Baby Bob.
Earlier this year, in a move that no one saw coming but also somehow makes total sense, he became the ‘“`face’ of Bonds Underwear. The cheeky ads had the former zookeeper modelling boxer briefs in moody lighting, smiling like he’s about to tell you a wombat fact while taking off his pants. The ads were shared everywhere, mainly from women quipping how confused they were about the new feelings Baby Bob had invoked.
Also his neat pivot last year to take over the hosting duties from Dr Chris Brown on “I’m A Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here” certainly helped turn his fanbase from his eco-warrior roots to mainstream star.
Robert Irwin Is Still Saving Animals – And Our Hearts
Suddenly, Robert Irwin is everywhere: trending on TikTok, splashed across billboards, and starring on magazine covers with headlines like: “Hot Croc Summer: How Robert Irwin Became a Conservationist Icon (With Great Hair).”
And yes—he’s still saving animals. Still awkwardly humble in interviews. Still insisting he’s just “having fun” and “doing it for Dad.”
But somewhere along the line, Baby Bob became Australia’s most unlikely heartthrob, uniting wildlife fans, DWTS voters, and somewhat uncomfortable midlife mums, into one massive, slightly uncomfortable fandom. As Australia’s favourite son, it now seems it’s a national sport watching the rise and rise of Robert Irwin.
We salute you. Shirtless or not.
#TeamRobert #DWTS2025 #BondsBob #CanILikeHimAndStillRespectMyself
