Robert Irwin recently faced a surprising setback just before his much-anticipated performance in the finale of the US version of Dancing With The Stars.

The beloved wildlife enthusiast, known for his energetic personality, sustained a rib injury, as revealed by his dance partner Witney Carson. She shared the unfortunate news via a TikTok video on Tuesday night, highlighting the challenges they’ve encountered.

In the video, Witney reflected on their journey together on the popular reality show, expressing how the intense rehearsals have taken a significant physical toll on them both.

“I look so wrecked. This is what 11 weeks of crazy, vigorous, hard dancing looks like,” Witney confessed, illustrating the demanding nature of their experience.

She went on to say, “My body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. We’re just trying to hold it together right now,” underscoring the resilience and determination both are demonstrating as they push through to the final stages of the competition.

Speaking before the pair’s final on-set rehearsal, Witney then revealed that Robert had been practising the routines through gritted teeth.

Robert Irwin has suffered a shock injury just hours out from his anticipated turn in the US Dancing With The Stars finale

The wildlife warrior’s dance partner, Witney Carson, took to TikTok on Tuesday night to reveal that Robert had suffered a rib injury

‘Robert’s ribs have been killing him,’ she said.

While she didn’t go into detail about the extent of the injury, Witney added that more would be revealed when they take to the stage.

‘More will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,’ she said.

‘I do have to change some things that involve other dancers and involve the other guys, so it’s just honestly been the most stressful part.’

In spite of his injury, Witney said that Robert had been pushing through regardless. 

‘Knowing Robert, he’s going to want to rehearse until the very last second,’ she said.

‘Last night, we stayed a the studio until it closed down. They had to kick us out at nine pm. We’re going to have absolutely no regrets by the end of this.’

Witney’s post prompted concern among followers, who were quick to comment on Robert’s injury. 

‘Robert’s ribs have been killing him,’ she said and while she didn’t go into detail about the extent of the injury, Witney added that more would be revealed when they take to the stage

‘Knowing Robert, he’s going to want to rehearse until the very last second,’ Witney added. ‘Last night, we stayed a the studio until it closed down. They had to kick us out at nine pm. We’re going to have absolutely no regrets by the end of this.’

‘Please tell us Robert is okay,’ one fan wrote. ‘This worries me.’

Another summed up the sentiment of many with : ‘Oh no poor Robert… not the time to have a rib problem. Hope it doesn’t affect what you can do for your freestyle too much. Voting for you guys!!’

Witney also took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a sweet handwritten letter Robert had written to his dance partner ahead of their finale performance.

‘I admire your courage as you balance a truly impressive workload while being a fantastic mum, and your determination and kindness even under huge pressure is inspiring,’ Robert’s letter read.

‘You have taught me lessons that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life,’ Robert continued.

‘I feel blessed to know the Carson/McAllister’s and while it is coming to an end, you’ve got me in your corner forever. We Irwin’s tend to stick around! Sorry bud, I’m hard to get rid of… Always remember: When in doubt – send it.’

Witney captioned the post with: ‘In case you needed another reason to love Robert Irwin’.   

In spite of his last-minute injury, Robert will be hoping to repeat sister Bindi’s 2015 victory against a competitive field that includes social media star Alix Earle, Zac Efron’s brother Dylan, actress Elaine Hendrix, and gymnast Jordan Chiles.

Witney also took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a sweet handwritten letter Robert had written to his dance partner ahead of their finale performance

‘I admire your courage as you balance a truly impressive workload while being a fantastic mum, and your determination and kindness even under huge pressure is inspiring,’ Robert’s letter read

They will compete across three rounds, one of which being an Instant Dance Challenge that will see the couples learn their song and dance style just minutes before hitting the floor. 

Robert will give another nod to Australia in the Judges’ Choice round, with he and Witney dancing a quickstep to Are You Gonna Be My Girl from Oz rockers Jet.

In the freestyle challenge, the fan favourites will  show off their skills to Black & Gold by Sam Sparro and The Nights by Avicii.