Robert Irwin Champions Mother Terri’s Potential ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Debut, Aiming for Family Three-Peat
The recent conclusion of Dancing With The Stars Season 34 saw Robert Irwin claim the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, making him the second member of his family to win the ABC competition series. With anticipation building for a new season slated for the 2026 TV schedule, fans are already speculating about the possibility of completing an unprecedented family dynasty – and that means getting Terri Irwin onto the dance floor.
Robert Irwin’s victory follows in the footsteps of his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the show in 2020. The family’s success has ignited a fervent desire among viewers to see Terri Irwin, the wife of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, compete. While Terri briefly appeared alongside Robert during Season 34, she has not participated as a contestant.
“Listen, the petition to have my mom on Dancing With the Stars has begun, and I started it,” Robert Irwin revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. “I started this season, and she is firmly like, ‘Nope, I’m not doing it. That’s not for me.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, I’m gonna wear you down,’ so let’s wear her down and get her on there, because I think she would be great.”
Irwin playfully suggested the family’s dancing prowess isn’t inherited from his father. “I didn’t know I could dance, Bindi didn’t know that she could dance. We were able to dance and do this show, so that’s got to come from somewhere, right? Those dancing genes, I’m pretty darn sure they didn’t come from my dad. I mean, he was a very athletic human being, but [had] no rhythm. So, I mean, I guess [we got them from my] mom. It must be. I mean, it’s only fair, right? She’s got to do it.”
While acknowledging the pressure Terri would face, given the public’s expectation for another Irwin victory, many believe she would thrive in the competition. The sentiment echoes a growing investment in the Irwin family establishing the first true celebrity dynasty on Dancing With The Stars, achieving a remarkable three-peat.
The potential for Terri Irwin to follow in her children’s footsteps is complicated by understandable apprehension. Celebrities like Alix Earle have openly discussed the nerves associated with the competition, and the weight of expectation for Terri, knowing viewers are rooting for another win, would be immense. However, Robert’s own surprising skill on the dance floor – prompting calls for him to pursue dance professionally – demonstrates the potential for unexpected talent to emerge. The overwhelmingly positive response to Season 34 has even fueled discussions about expanding the show to two nights a week.
Despite the enthusiasm, the Irwin family may prioritize a return to Australia after spending considerable time in the United States during Robert’s run on the show. Ultimately, the decision rests with Terri Irwin, and there’s no shortage of other celebrities eager to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Dancing With The Stars is currently on hiatus, but announcements regarding a new season are expected in the new year on ABC and Disney+. In the meantime, speculation is already underway regarding potential cast members and returning professional dancers. The possibility of Terri Irwin joining the lineup remains a captivating prospect, and one that Robert Irwin is determined to make a reality.
