Robert Irwin has faced criticism from fans after choosing not to confirm whether he’s romantically involved with Xochitl Gomez, his temporary partner on the US version of Dancing With The Stars.

The 21-year-old wildlife enthusiast, currently competing alongside Witney Carson on DWTS US, recently showcased a lively jive relay with 19-year-old Xochitl Gomez, known for her role in Doctor Strange.

Their performance was electric, capturing attention as they moved energetically to Olly Murs’ song “Dance With Me Tonight.”

Such palpable chemistry sparked speculation that their relationship could extend beyond the dance floor.

Nevertheless, when questioned about the dating rumors, Robert sidestepped the inquiry, leaving their relationship status a mystery.

‘Oh my gosh, we had the best time, that dance was so much fun. It was so cool to do two such distinct dances,’ Robert told TMZ, while remaining tight-lipped when asked if they were ‘an item’.

Robert Irwin has been slammed by fans after he refused to confirm if he was dating his Dancing With The Stars US fill-in dance partner Xochitl Gomez

‘The dance with Xochitl was energetic and fun! She’s the best, it’s been really, really great.’ 

Fans quickly took to social media to slam the reality TV star for dodging the question.

‘The most polite “mind your business” ever,’ one person quipped.

‘Deflection king,’ a second person added, and a third chimed in with: ‘I love how he pretends she asked a different question.’

Last month it was reported that Robert was rumoured to be romantically involved with DWTS US troupe dancer Hailey Bills, almost two years after he split with Rorie Buckey.

Celebrity gossip account Deux Moi shared an email they received to Instagram, in which they were tipped off about Robert’s budding romance.

‘Everyone’s favourite DWTS bachelor has paused his search for his American dream girl to have some play time beyond the ballroom,’ the email read.

‘My sources tell me he’s been spotted a few times getting cosy with a brunette… The same one he follows around on set. She’s the only troupe member he follows on Instagram.’

The celebrity conservationist, 21, recently performed an upbeat jive relay on the series with Doctor Strange star Xochitl Gomez, 19

The connection between the two appeared to be so strong that rumours began circulating they were more than just dance partners. However, Robert deflected the conversation when asked him if there was any truth to the rumours that he and Xoxhitl were dating

The person in question was revealed to be US woman Hailey Bills, who has been dancing since 2012, specialising in ballroom, ballet and hip hop.

Although Robert and Hailey have remained tight-lipped on the romance rumours, he shared a clip to social media in which he was seen performing an energetic street dance alongside her.

Robert could not wipe the smile off his face as he got his body moving alongside Hailey, with the pair demonstrating clear chemistry both on and off the dancefloor.

‘Honorary troupe member,’ Robert wrote next to the clip. 

In November last year, Robert revealed he was still seeking love following his split from long-time sweetheart Rorie Buckey in February 2024. 

He appeared on Nine’s Today show and confessed there was ‘no one special’ in his life at that time.

After being dubbed one of Australia’s ‘most eligible bachelors’ during the segment, a bashful Robert revealed that dating for him was not easy.

Robert and his ex Rorie, 20, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023. 

Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved ‘wildlife warrior boot camp’ before she and Robert became an official couple.

In December 2023, Woman’s Day claimed Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature.

The pair were in a long-distance relationship, as Robert is based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie lives in Perth.