DWTS fans thought they’d seen every twist possible this season — until Robert Irwin and former Mirrorball champion Xochitl Gomez were spotted together in a way that immediately set the internet on fire. Their unexpected off-camera meetup didn’t look casual, accidental, or friendly-in-passing. It looked intentional… and intimate enough to send the fandom spiraling.
Rumors first sparked after crew members whispered about Robert slipping away from rehearsals more often than usual. At first, no one thought much of it. But when he was seen meeting Xochitl Gomez at a quiet LA restaurant late in the evening, everything changed.
Witnesses described the two as “locked in their own world,” leaning in close, laughing with ease, and looking far more connected than anyone anticipated. The moment word hit social media, fans detonated with theories.
Some believe the two have formed a fast bond through shared experience — the pressure, the spotlight, the emotional intensity only DWTS contestants truly understand. Others are convinced this is the start of a full-blown romance, one blooming right as Robert heads into the finale with Witney Carson.
Xochitl, known for her warm energy and down-to-earth charm, didn’t seem fazed by attention. Robert, on the other hand, was clearly trying to keep things quiet, slipping out a side entrance before cameras could find him.
Insiders on set say this isn’t the first time the pair have shared time together off the ballroom floor. One source noted that Xochitl has been visiting the studio more than usual lately — “not for work… but for someone,” they teased.
Meanwhile, Witney Carson reportedly finds the situation “adorable,” insisting she wants Robert to enjoy life, success, and friendships outside the competition. Still, some fans worry the sudden spotlight on his personal life could distract from finale week.
Others argue it might do the opposite — fueling even more excitement around his name, his journey, and yes, his unexpected heart-throb energy this season.
Now, with the finale just days away, fans aren’t just asking whether Robert Irwin will take home the Mirrorball Trophy. They’re wondering whether he might also be leaving Los Angeles with something far more dramatic — or someone.
And if this off-camera spark grows any brighter, DWTS may have just stumbled into its most surprising storyline of the year.
