Robert Irwin, the recent champion of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), firmly believes that Maura Higgins has a promising chance of taking home the coveted title in the upcoming season. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Irwin shared his thoughts on Higgins’ potential success, highlighting the role of “luck” in her favour.
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Irwin, who triumphed in the previous DWTS season alongside professional dancer Witney Carson, noted that Higgins was among the first contestants announced for the new season, just as he was in the previous year. During Hulu’s Get Real House event on 22 April, which revealed the first two celebrity participants, Higgins expressed optimism, believing her early announcement could represent a positive omen for her journey on the show.
Reflecting on his own experience, Irwin recounted the moment he walked Higgins out for the announcement. He related her sentiments, saying, “I feel like this is a good omen. Like, this was you last year, you were the first announced.” Irwin responded affirmatively, indicating that fate might indeed favour her. In light-hearted fashion, he mentioned that being featured in the magazine could be essential for her success, asserting, “We’ve got to keep the tradition going.”
Higgins, a well-known figure thanks to her roles in Love Island and The Traitors, is set to compete alongside another contestant, Ciara Miller from Summer House. The rest of the season 35 cast will be unveiled at a later date, generating excitement among fans and followers.
In addition to his predictions about Higgins, Irwin also took the opportunity to reflect on his own journey within the competition. The wildlife conservationist recounted how he and his family have a strong connection to dance. Both Robert and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2015, seem to have inherited impressive dance skills from their mother, Teri. “I think we must have gotten it from my mum,” he commented. “That gene must have come from somewhere and it certainly didn’t come from my dad!”
As he celebrates his achievements, Irwin has also been busy working on new projects. Recently, he launched a campaign for Columbia Sportswear, further establishing his brand beyond the dancing stage. Despite his successful endeavours, he remains deeply connected to his family’s legacy, particularly his father, Steve Irwin. Reflecting on their recent gala event, he shared, “We just had our annual Steve Irwin Gala and it was our most successful one yet.” This success, he felt, reaffirmed the lasting impact of his father’s message and influence.
Irwin’s strong ties to the DWTS community were evident when many of his fellow castmates attended the gala event to support him. He described the gathering as a joyous reunion, reminiscing about the fun and energetic performances, including their last jive together, which he noted felt surreal. “Most of the room, or half of it was just Dancing with the Stars people. It was a big reunion,” he said.
Now a few months removed from his victory, Irwin expressed a sense of longing for the DWTS environment, emphasising the unique bond formed with his fellow contestants. “It is a weird environment where you’re basically stuck for three months in a confined space with the same people all going through the same thing,” he explained. He appreciated that they shared similar experiences, which fostered camaraderie among them.
As the countdown to DWTS season 35 begins, Irwin has overwhelming anticipation for its premiere in the fall on both ABC and Disney+. After the broadcast, episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu. Meanwhile, Irwin is also set to host the upcoming spin-off, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, which is slated to debut on 13 July. His ongoing involvement in the show further cements his place within the DWTS family, making fans eager to see how Higgins and the other contestants will perform this season.