Robert Irwin Is Returning to 'Dancing With the Stars' in a New Way
Robert Irwin is officially returning to Dancing With the Stars in a new way-by hosting a spinoff called The Next Pro.
On Wednesday, April 22, Irwin and the official DWTS Instagram account announced the news in a joint post.
"It's a journey to the ballroom like never before. 🪩," the update began. "Join host @robertirwinphotography for Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, premiering Monday, July 13 on ABC! Stream on Hulu. #DWTSNextPro."
In the accompanying video, the wildlife conservationist, 22, teased, "For the first time in Dancing With the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro."
This isn't Irwin's first hosting gig; the son of Crocodile Hunter stars Terri Irwin and the late Steve Irwin-and brother of Bindi Irwin, who won DWTS Season 21-also hosts the Australian reality TV show, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me out of Here! with Julia Morris.
Related: Bindi Irwin Announces Move to the U.S. With Daughter Grace in Major "Life Update"
In the comments, fans, past DWTS contestants, and current pros rejoiced over the news. Ilona Maher joked, "A little messed up I wasn't asked to try out for this."
Pro dancer Jan Ravnik wrote, "Let's gooo 👀," while fellow pro (and Irwin's former dance partner) Witney Carson commented, "🔥🔥🔥🔥."
Yet another pro dancer, Rylee Arnold, declared, "Excited for this one!!!!!!😍😍😍."
Meanwhile, one fan begged, "So this and bring back 2 seasons a year💖."
A different follower shared, "Ohhh my goodness! I'm excited to see who will be the next pro! 😊."
Someone else commented, "I am so excited about this eeeek ❤️."
Yet another exclaimed, "Let's gooooo!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻."
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro premieres at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13, on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
What do you think about Irwin hosting the new DWTS show?
Next: Robert Irwin Goes Red Carpet Official With Lucky Lady: "It's a Big Step"
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:15 AM.