When Robert Irwin was unveiled as part of the lineup for the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars US, fans expected excitement — but what they didn’t expect was a twist straight out of reality TV drama. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist introduced his new partner, professional dancer Witney Carson, and viewers immediately noticed something striking: she’s the spitting image of his ex-girlfriend, Rorie Buckey.
The resemblance was impossible to ignore. With her golden locks, radiant smile, and familiar features, Carson instantly set social media ablaze. Side-by-side comparisons flooded Twitter and Instagram, with fans marveling at how closely she mirrors Rorie, the niece of the late Heath Ledger. “Producers knew exactly what they were doing,” one fan wrote. “This is about to be the most dramatic season ever.”
Irwin and Buckey parted ways in February 2024 after a two-year relationship, announcing the split in a joint statement that emphasized “gratitude and respect.” But the connection between Robert’s personal life and his new dance partner has fans wondering whether his past might shadow his run on the show. Some speculate it’s coincidence, while others believe producers engineered the pairing for maximum buzz.
Despite the chatter, Robert looked more than comfortable during the official reveal. Dressed in his signature khakis, he held a massive yellow-and-white python draped across his shoulders, grinning as Witney posed alongside him in a fitted pink dress. With the snake’s tail curling around her torso, the duo leaned into Robert’s trademark Wildlife Warrior style, captioning the photo simply: “Robert & Witney 🐍⭐ #DWTS.”
For Witney Carson, 31, this marks another high-profile partnership in her successful ballroom career. But her uncanny resemblance to Rorie Buckey has given the season an unexpected narrative twist before a single dance has been performed. Fans are already theorizing about chemistry, storylines, and whether sparks will fly between the conservationist and the pro.
Robert’s DWTS journey is already being measured against family history. A decade ago, his sister Bindi Irwin captured America’s heart and went on to win the show alongside Derek Hough in 2015. Now, it’s Robert’s turn under the glittering ballroom lights — and with a partner that has the internet buzzing, expectations for his debut are sky-high.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Aussie star. Following his smoldering U.S. ad campaign for Bonds and a surge in international popularity, Dancing With the Stars offers him a platform to step out from his family’s legacy and showcase his own charisma. Whether the resemblance to Rorie proves to be a distraction or a secret weapon for audience votes remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Robert Irwin’s season of Dancing With the Stars won’t just be about fancy footwork. With fans already doing double takes and gossip swirling before the first performance, this could be one of the most talked-about seasons the show has ever seen.
