Why DWTS’s Robert Irwin & Witney Carson’s Friendship Deserves a 10

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson have formed a strong bond since becoming dance partners on Dancing With the Stars. For the show’s Wicked night on October 21st, they’ll be performing a jazz routine to “Dancing Through Life.”

Their connection felt natural from the start. Robert remembered watching Witney win Dancing With the Stars with his sister, Bindi Irwin, back in 2015, and he had a feeling they would be paired up when he joined the show himself.

On the October 15th episode of The Viall Files, Robert explained that his family often joked about him being partnered with Witney. When it actually happened, he described it as a special “full-circle moment,” feeling like something he’d anticipated for a decade. He instantly felt safe and supported, and quickly came to view Witney as an older sister.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been watching Robert and Witney – who call themselves ‘Team IrWINit’ – and let me tell you, they hit the ground running! They quickly became favorites with the judges – Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli – earning some of the highest scores right from the start. Robert himself credits Witney with all his confidence. He says it’s about trusting the process, leaning on their rehearsal experience, and completely trusting his partner – it’s a total leap of faith! He’s never done anything like this before, and he feels so lucky to have Witney guiding him. He’s all in, giving it everything he’s got, and honestly, that’s what it’s all about! Even when they’ve faced some challenges and slipped in the rankings, they haven’t given up. Robert shared that starting at the top and then moving to third place during Disney night was a wake-up call – a reminder to push themselves even harder. That kind of resilience is inspiring!

Both Robert and Witney are challenging themselves to try new things. For example, Robert surprised Witney with a visit to see alligators early on in their partnership.

“We’ve really pushed each other,” Robert explained to Access Hollywood on October 3rd. “It’s been a quick jump into new experiences – like learning salsa or facing an alligator!”

Just as Robert protected Witney during the alligator encounter, she’s taking a cautious approach to his dating life.

In a September interview with TopMob News, the 32-year-old, who shares two children with her husband Carson McAllister, joked that potential dates need to be vetted. “You have to apply,” she said. “Send your applications to my DMs, and I’ll pass them on to Bindi. Then we’ll see about the American tourist!”

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always touched by genuine connections, and Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s friendship is truly special. Watching them on Dancing With the Stars, it’s clear they’re there for each other, both as dance partners and as friends. Robert recently shared how incredibly supportive Witney was during a particularly emotional week, especially when he dedicated a dance to his mom, Terri Irwin, and spoke about the loss of his father, Steve Irwin. He said he wouldn’t have been able to navigate those feelings, or achieve what they did on the show, without her – not just her amazing choreography, but her personal understanding and support. He even joked that Witney is basically part of the Irwin family now! It’s so heartwarming to see these two lift each other up, and the fans clearly agree – their connection is a perfect 10!

Robert Irwin and his Dancing With the Stars partner Witney Carson have a strong bond, supporting each other both on and off the dance floor. Robert recently honored his mother, Terri Irwin, with a moving performance, becoming emotional as he spoke about his late father, Steve Irwin, and his mother’s support after his passing in 2006. Robert shared that this week was particularly difficult, forcing him to confront emotions he’d never publicly expressed. He credits Witney’s choreography and, more importantly, her personal support and understanding for helping him get through it, calling her a “boss mom.” Fans are clearly loving their connection, with Robert jokingly adding Witney as a new member of the Irwin family. To find out more about the cast of season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, continue reading.