Robert Irwin shared a social media clip showing him trying to catch his breath on the floor after an intense rehearsal for the upcoming American season of Dancing with the Stars.
In the video posted Tuesday, the 21-year-old conservationist is seen lying on his back and hyperventilating as he recovers. His dance partner, Witney Carson, is heard off camera saying, "I've killed him!" Irwin responded in the clip, "No, you haven't," and later captioned the post, "Post rehearsals mood," with a laughing emoji.
Carson, a 31-year-old professional Latin ballroom dancer and choreographer, was announced this week as Irwin's partner for the series. Promotional images shared to Instagram showed the pair posing together, with Irwin in Wildlife Warrior fashion holding a large white-and-yellow python while Carson smiled alongside him. The account accompanying those images used the hashtag #DWTS.
Irwin was confirmed for the U.S. edition of Dancing with the Stars in April, following his recent ad campaign for the Australian underwear brand Bonds, Variety reported. He is scheduled to compete against other announced celebrities, including actor Corey Feldman and fitness expert Hilaria Baldwin. The upcoming season is due to premiere Tuesday, Sept. 16, on Disney+.
Media reports have noted a resemblance between Carson and Irwin's former girlfriend, Rorie Buckey. Buckey, 21, is the niece of actor Heath Ledger; Irwin and Buckey announced their split in February 2024.
Irwin arrived in Los Angeles ahead of filming and had appeared in high spirits in promotional and social media posts. His participation in the U.S. Dancing with the Stars marks a family return to the franchise: his sister, Bindi Irwin, won the show in 2015 with professional partner Derek Hough.
Representatives for Irwin and for Dancing with the Stars did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The clip adds to a string of public appearances and promotional activities for Irwin this year as he balances conservation work and media engagements. Dancing with the Stars pairs celebrities with professional dancers and features weekly competitions judged by a panel and determined in part by audience voting. The series has been a platform for a range of performers and public figures since its U.S. debut.
The season's lineup and broadcast schedule are subject to change; the network and show producers will provide further details as filming continues.