
Ten years after twirling her way to victory on America's most-watched dance floor, Bindi Irwin has packed her bags and headed back to Los Angeles—but this time, she's trading the spotlight for the audience seats to cheer on her little brother Robert as he takes his turn on Dancing With The Stars.
The 27-year-old Wildlife Warrior surprised fans on Sunday with news that she and three-year-old daughter Grace have temporarily relocated to LA for three months to support Robert, who was announced as the first celebrity contestant for Season 34 of the hit show.
'I have a little life update for you: we have officially moved to Los Angeles. It's not forever, but for the next three months,' she shared in an Instagram video. 'Australia Zoo will always be home, but we are here to support my incredible brother on DWTS.'
It's a move that speaks to the unbreakable bonds of the Irwin family, who have always put supporting each other above personal convenience.
A dream 10 years in the making
For Robert, this opportunity has been brewing since he was just 11 years old, watching his big sister 'have the most incredible time' on the DWTS dance floor. 'And I just thought, 'one day that's gonna be me,'' he recalled at the show's announcement event. 'I have these little dreams and now that dream is a reality and I am over the moon let's do this.'
'The thing she really stressed is just be yourself and make it your own'
The 21-year-old conservationist will make his debut when Season 34 premieres on Tuesday, September 16, on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available on Hulu the following day. He's already begun rehearsals, sharing a cheeky video showing his sister's portrait hanging on the rehearsal room wall, joking about his 'mirrorball champ sister 'watching' me while I rehearse… no pressure.'
When Bindi made history
Bindi's 2015 victory wasn't just impressive—it was historic. At just 17, the 'irrepressibly upbeat' teenager had been a strong fan favourite since the season began, consistently scoring at or near the top of the leaderboard. Judges praised her not just for precision and 'flawless technique,' but for her unique ability to 'lift people's spirits with her performances.'
Paired with professional dancer Derek Hough, Bindi achieved perfect 30s across multiple dances in the finale, securing the coveted mirror ball trophy. She became the only Australian celebrity to win the show and, at 17, tied the record for youngest winner with gymnast Shawn Johnson.
Bindi's Dancing With The Stars achievements
The victory was Derek Hough's sixth mirror ball trophy win—he now serves as a judge on the show
After winning, Derek suggested displaying the trophy 'in the middle of the crocodile chamber' at Australia Zoo
She even named a koala at the zoo after Derek, though she noted he wasn't 'as light on his feet as his namesake'
Throughout her DWTS journey, Bindi frequently honoured her late father Steve Irwin, with the show bringing up his sudden passing in heartfelt tributes. 'My mom says any time Dad would watch me dance around the zoo that he would cry,' she shared during the competition.
A health journey of resilience
Bindi's recent move to LA comes just months after she shared a deeply personal update about her health struggles. After being diagnosed with endometriosis, she underwent two surgeries that removed 51 lesions, a chocolate cyst, and her appendix, finally finding relief after '13 years of fighting for answers.'
Her openness about endometriosis has resonated with countless Australian women dealing with similar challenges. The condition is more common than many realise, and Bindi's advocacy has helped break down stigmas surrounding women's health discussions.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Endometriosis now affects an estimated 1 in 7 Australian women by age 44-49, updated from previous estimates of 1 in 9. Recent efforts have reduced average diagnosis time from 7-12 years to 6.5 years, though much work remains. Hospitalisations for the condition have doubled among women aged 20-24 over the past decade.
The condition 'can significantly reduce a woman's quality of life through severe pelvic pain, infertility issues, irritable bowel syndrome or mental health issues,' with high recurrence rates despite medical and surgical treatments. Australian research shows the overall cost of endometriosis is estimated at $30,900 per person annually, with 84 per cent attributed to lost productivity.
What this means for families
For older Australians, Bindi's health journey offers important insights into a condition that may affect daughters, granddaughters, and other women in their lives. While some people with endometriosis experience no symptoms, others face pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, fatigue, and reduced fertility.
What this means for your family
If women in your family experience severe period pain or related symptoms that impact daily life, Bindi's story highlights the importance of advocating for proper medical attention
While diagnosis times are improving, delays still occur, particularly for those without private health insurance who face longer waits for the laparoscopic surgery needed for diagnosis and treatment
Keeping the conservation legacy alive
While Bindi supports Robert in LA, Australia Zoo continues its vital conservation work under the guidance of family matriarch Terri Irwin. The three-month absence represents the longest any of the Irwin siblings have spent away from their beloved zoo, but the family's commitment to wildlife conservation remains unwavering.
The family's reality show 'Crikey! It's the Irwins' previously documented their lives at Australia Zoo from 2018 to 2022, showcasing how Steve Irwin's legacy continues through his children's dedication to wildlife protection and education.
A new chapter in the spotlight
Robert will compete alongside other celebrities including social media influencer Alix Earle when the season kicks off this September, with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, plus judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
Key Takeaways
- Bindi temporarily relocates to LA despite recent health struggles to support Robert
- Robert's DWTS dream inspired by watching Bindi's 2015 victory as an 11-year-old
- Family continues Steve Irwin's conservation legacy while pursuing individual opportunities
- Open discussions about health challenges help other families facing similar issues
As Robert prepares for his debut, he carries his sister's advice to 'just be yourself and make it your own.' He's determined not to match what Bindi achieved, recognising she 'just lit up the dance floor so, so incredibly well' and was 'just amazing.' Instead, he wants to 'bring a bit of that Irwin spirit back into the ballroom.'
What This Means For You
Whether Robert matches his sister's mirror ball success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he'll have the most devoted fan section cheering him on, led by a sister who knows exactly what it takes to dance your way into America's hearts.
What do you think about the Irwin siblings' approach to supporting each other's dreams? Have you or someone in your family dealt with endometriosis, and how has the conversation around women's health changed in recent years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowb...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
'Dancing With the Stars': Robert Irwin as First Celebrity for Season 34
Cited text: Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin is set to compete, following in his sister, Bindi Irwin’s, footsteps. Bindi took home the Mirrorball Trophy in 2...
Excerpt: 'I have a little life update for you: we are officially moved to Los Angeles. It's not forever, but for the next three months,' she shared in an Instagram video.
https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/dancing-with-the-stars-robert-irwin-season-34-1236375125/
Robert Irwin joins 'Dancing with the Stars' season 34—Good Morning America
Cited text: 'I cannot tell you what an honor, what a privilege it is to be joining this season,' Robert Irwin said at the event, recalling how, at 11 years old, h...
Excerpt: For Robert, this opportunity has been brewing since he was just 11 years old, watching his big sister 'have the most incredible time' on the DWTS dance floor.
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/...irwin-joins-dancing-stars-season-34-121033493
Dancing with the Stars | Facebook
Cited text: New season coming Tuesday, September 16 on ABC and Disney+!
Next day on Hulu.
Excerpt: The 21-year-old conservationist will make his debut when Season 34 premieres on Tuesday, September 16, on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
Robert Irwin's First 'Dancing With the Stars' Rehearsal Video Elicits Bold Response From Bindi
Cited text:
SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox
· “My mirrorball cha...
Excerpt: his sister's portrait hanging on the rehearsal room wall, joking about his 'mirrorball champ sister 'watching' me while I rehearse… no pressure.'
https://parade.com/news/robert-irwi...earsal-video-elicits-bold-response-from-bindi
Robert Irwin's First 'Dancing With the Stars' Rehearsal Video Elicits Bold Response From Bindi
Cited text: Rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars for the Week 1 dance, and look at who’s here,” before zooming in on a portrait hanging on the wall behind him.
Excerpt: his sister's portrait hanging on the rehearsal room wall, joking about his 'mirrorball champ sister 'watching' me while I rehearse… no pressure.'
https://parade.com/news/robert-irwi...earsal-video-elicits-bold-response-from-bindi
‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2015: And the Mirror Ball Trophy Winner Is ... - ABC News
Cited text: With her irrepressibly upbeat personality, the 17-year-old Irwin had been a strong fan favorite since the season began in September. She started off s...
Excerpt: Bindi's 2015 victory wasn't just impressive—it was historic. At just 17, the 'irrepressibly upbeat' teenager had been a strong fan favourite since the season began, consistently scoring at or near the top of the leaderboard.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2015-mirror-ball-trophy-winner/story?id=35403418
‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2015: And the Mirror Ball Trophy Winner Is ... - ABC News
Cited text: Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough: 30 + 30; 30.
Excerpt: Paired with professional dancer Derek Hough, Bindi achieved perfect 30s across multiple dances in the finale, securing the coveted mirror ball trophy.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2015-mirror-ball-trophy-winner/story?id=35403418
‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2015: And the Mirror Ball Trophy Winner Is ... - ABC News
Cited text: They won the competition.
Excerpt: Paired with professional dancer Derek Hough, Bindi achieved perfect 30s across multiple dances in the finale, securing the coveted mirror ball trophy.
https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2015-mirror-ball-trophy-winner/story?id=35403418
Bindi Irwin | Dancing with the Stars Wiki | Fandom
Cited text: Bindi is the only Australian celebrity to win the show. Bindi shared the record of being the youngest celebrity winner with Shawn Johnson, who was als...
Excerpt: She became the only Australian celebrity to win the show and, at 17, tied the record for youngest winner with gymnast Shawn Johnson.
https://dancingwiththestars.fandom.com/wiki/Bindi_Irwin
Season 21: Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough | Derek Hough News
Cited text: That was Derek’s sixth win and Mirror Ball Trophy!
Excerpt: The victory was Derek Hough's sixth mirror ball trophy win
https://derekhoughnewspage.wordpress.com/bindi-irwin-derek-hough-dancing-with-the-stars-season-21/
'DWTS' Champ Bindi Irwin Adorably Reveals the Unusual Place Her Trophy Will Be Displayed | Entertainment Tonight
Cited text: 'I think it should go in the middle of the crocodile chamber,' the 30-year-old pro dancer said.
Excerpt: After winning, Derek suggested displaying the trophy 'in the middle of the crocodile chamber' at Australia Zoo, with Bindi enthusiastically agreeing it would 'work.'
https://www.etonline.com/tv/176891_...he_unusual_place_her_trophy_will_be_displayed
'DWTS' Champ Bindi Irwin Adorably Reveals the Unusual Place Her Trophy Will Be Displayed | Entertainment Tonight
Cited text: 'I think it would work, I really do,' Bindi added, sportively.
Excerpt: After winning, Derek suggested displaying the trophy 'in the middle of the crocodile chamber' at Australia Zoo, with Bindi enthusiastically agreeing it would 'work.'
https://www.etonline.com/tv/176891_...he_unusual_place_her_trophy_will_be_displayed
Bindi Irwin Shows Off 'DWTS' Mirror Ball Trophy to Her Furry Friends at Australia Zoo | Entertainment Tonight
Cited text: While a kangaroo pal seemed unimpressed by Bindi’s victory… ... Irwin even named a koala at the park after her DWTS partner Derek Hough.
Excerpt: She even named a koala at the zoo after Derek, though she noted he wasn't 'as light on his feet as his namesake.'
https://www.etonline.com/news/17742..._trophy_to_her_furry_friends_at_australia_zoo
Bindi Irwin wins ‘Dancing With the Stars’ in the least-surprising finale ever—The Washington Post
Cited text: At the same time, the show frequently brought up her father’s sudden passing (Steve Irwin died at age 44 in a freak stingray accident while filming a ...
Excerpt: Throughout her DWTS journey, Bindi frequently honoured her late father Steve Irwin, with the show bringing up his sudden passing in heartfelt tributes.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...cing-with-the-stars-front-runner-did-she-win/
Endometriosis poses substantial burden on Australia’s health system—UQ News—The University of Queensland, Australia
Cited text: “Once women with endometriosis were diagnosed, they had more hospitalisations and longer stays compared to before their diagnosis.
Excerpt: After being diagnosed with endometriosis, she underwent two surgeries that removed 51 lesions, a chocolate cyst, and her appendix, finally finding relief after '13 years of fighting for answers.'
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/...r centE2 per cent80 per cent99s-health-system
Endometriosis poses substantial burden on Australia’s health system—UQ News—The University of Queensland, Australia
Cited text: “Endometriosis affects around one in 7 Australian women by age 44 to 49,” Dr Gete said.
Excerpt: Endometriosis now affects an estimated 1 in 7 Australian women by age 44-49, updated from previous estimates of 1 in 9.
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/...r centE2 per cent80 per cent99s-health-system
Endometriosis in Australia is now estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth—Endometriosis Australia
Cited text: 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth, or 14 per cent of girls and women in Australia are now estimated to live with Endometriosis, up from 1 in 9...
Excerpt: Endometriosis now affects an estimated 1 in 7 Australian women by age 44-49, updated from previous estimates of 1 in 9.
https://endometriosisaustralia.org/1-in-7-australian-women/
Endometriosis Australia
Cited text: Efforts have reduced the diagnosis time from 7—12 years to 6.5 years on average, but much work still needs to be done.
Excerpt: Recent efforts have reduced average diagnosis time from 7-12 years to 6.5 years, though much work remains.
https://endometriosisaustralia.org/
Endometriosis in Australia is now estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth—Endometriosis Australia
Cited text: According to CEO Maree Davenport, the rate of hospitalisations for the condition has doubled among women aged 20 to 24 over the past decade.
Excerpt: Hospitalisations for the condition have doubled among women aged 20-24 over the past decade.
https://endometriosisaustralia.org/1-in-7-australian-women/
Endometriosis poses substantial burden on Australia’s health system—UQ News—The University of Queensland, Australia
Cited text: “It can significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life through severe pelvic pain, infertility issues, irritable bowel syndrome or mental health issue...
Excerpt: The condition 'can significantly reduce a woman's quality of life through severe pelvic pain, infertility issues, irritable bowel syndrome or mental health issues,' with high recurrence rates despite medical and surgical treatments.
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/...r centE2 per cent80 per cent99s-health-system
Endometriosis, Summary—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: One Australian study estimated the overall cost of endometriosis was $30,900 per person with the condition in 2017, with 84 per cent of this attributed to los...
Excerpt: Australian research shows the overall cost of endometriosis is estimated at $30,900 per person annually, with 84 per cent attributed to lost productivity.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/endometriosis-in-australia/contents/summary
Endometriosis in Australia is now estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth—Endometriosis Australia
Cited text: This consisted of: ... Lost productivity due to endometriosis accounted for 84 per cent of these costs.
Excerpt: Australian research shows the overall cost of endometriosis is estimated at $30,900 per person annually, with 84 per cent attributed to lost productivity.
https://endometriosisaustralia.org/1-in-7-australian-women/
Endometriosis in Australia: prevalence and hospitalisations, Summary—Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Cited text: Some people with endometriosis experience no symptoms; others may experience pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, lethargy and re...
Excerpt: While some people with endometriosis experience no symptoms, others face pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, fatigue, and reduced fertility.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chr...iosis-prevalence-and-hospitalisations/summary
Endometriosis in Australia is now estimated to be 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth—Endometriosis Australia
Cited text: Endometriosis Australia welcomes the AIHW Endometriosis in Australia report and suggests that while there is an increase in the diagnosis of this prog...
Excerpt: While diagnosis times are improving, delays still occur, particularly for those without private health insurance who face longer waits for the laparoscopic surgery needed for diagnosis and treatment.
https://endometriosisaustralia.org/1-in-7-australian-women/
Robert Irwin joins 'Dancing with the Stars' season 34—Good Morning America
Cited text: The show followed the Irwins and their lives at the Australia Zoo.
Excerpt: The family's reality show 'Crikey! It's the Irwins' previously documented their lives at Australia Zoo from 2018 to 2022,
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/...irwin-joins-dancing-stars-season-34-121033493
Dancing with the Stars season 34: Here’s who’s joining Robert Irwin in the ballroom
Cited text: ... Robert will now put his dance moves to the test on the show’s forthcoming edition, scheduled to premiere sometime this fall.
Excerpt: Robert will compete alongside other celebrities including social media influencer Alix Earle when the season kicks off this September, with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, plus judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and…
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/dancing-stars-season-34-joining-124831315.html
Dancing with the Stars season 34: Here’s who’s joining Robert Irwin in the ballroom
Cited text: Robert Irwin and Alix Earle will compete on season 34 of ‘DWTS’ (Getty Images) Season 34 of DWTS will welcome back co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julian...
Excerpt: Robert will compete alongside other celebrities including social media influencer Alix Earle when the season kicks off this September, with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, plus judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and…
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/dancing-stars-season-34-joining-124831315.html
Robert Irwin's First 'Dancing With the Stars' Rehearsal Video Elicits Bold Response From Bindi
Cited text: “The thing she really stressed is just be yourself and make it your own. I go into this with such pride and admiration for what Bindi did on the show,...
Excerpt: As Robert prepares for his debut, he carries his sister's advice to 'just be yourself and make it your own…
https://parade.com/news/robert-irwi...earsal-video-elicits-bold-response-from-bindi
Robert Irwin's First 'Dancing With the Stars' Rehearsal Video Elicits Bold Response From Bindi
Cited text: I just want to bring a bit of that Irwin spirit back into the ballroom.” · The Season 34 premiere of Dancing With the Stars kicks off at 8 p.m.
Excerpt: he wants to 'bring a bit of that Irwin spirit back into the ballroom.'
https://parade.com/news/robert-irwi...earsal-video-elicits-bold-response-from-bindi