Robert Irwin Survives Croc Death Roll, Hosts DWTS Spin-Off

Robert Irwin Opens Up About Surviving a Crocodile Death Roll and His New DWTS Chapter

Robert Irwin is no stranger to danger. The 22-year-old son of legendary Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has built a reputation for fearless wildlife work. Now, he is also making waves on television. He recently sat down with Extra’s Tommy DiDario at ABC Upfronts to discuss his exciting new chapter.

Irwin won Dancing with the Stars Season 35 in November 2025. He proved himself a formidable and beloved competitor. That victory clearly opened new doors for him. He now steps into a hosting role for the brand-new spin-off series.

A New Era for Dancing with the Stars

The new show carries the title Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. It premieres on ABC and features Robert alongside pro dancer and choreographer Mark Ballas. The duo spoke enthusiastically about what fans can expect. Both men described the series as something truly fresh and exciting.

Ballas explained what makes the format unique. “It’s unlike anything we’ve seen,” he said, noting that audiences finally get inside access. The show reveals the pro dancers’ creative and teaching processes. Viewers rarely see this side of the competition on the original series.

According to Ballas, the spin-off places dancers in realistic scenarios. These situations mirror what pros face when working with celebrity partners. The challenges include chemistry tests, choreography exercises, and teaching evaluations. The producers aim to identify the next generation of top-tier professional dancers.

Ballas summed it up simply. “We’re looking for someone that can do it all,” he said. He called the experience intense but genuinely fun. Fans of the franchise will find plenty to enjoy in this new format.

Robert Irwin Embraces His Unexpected Role in Dance

Robert spoke candidly about stepping into the hosting seat. He described the role as feeling natural despite its novelty. “This just feels like it’s what I’ve always been doing, but in such a different font,” he said. Dance, he admitted, was never something he anticipated becoming part of his world.

Still, Irwin embraced the opportunity with characteristic warmth. He called it an honor to contribute to the dance community. He praised Dancing with the Stars for spreading positivity, hope, and joy. “To be part of this new era for the show meant everything,” he added.

For Irwin, the show carries a deeper meaning beyond entertainment. He emphasized how much the series brings families together. He stressed that this kind of feel-good content matters right now. His genuine passion for the project came through clearly in every word.

The Crocodile Named After Jimmy Fallon That Nearly Killed Him

Of course, no conversation with Robert Irwin is complete without a wildlife story. He delivered a jaw-dropping one about a crocodile he named Jimmy Fallon. The story began during one of his crocodile research expeditions. His team works to study and conserve wild crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Irwin previously shared this story with the real Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. He described how researchers must physically jump onto crocodiles to study them. His father, Steve Irwin, developed this bold hands-on technique. It remains the most effective method for up-close crocodile research.

During one expedition, Robert leaped onto the back of the 14-foot, 700-pound crocodile named after the late-night host. The massive reptile immediately death-rolled him. This is a violent hunting technique where a crocodile clamps down and spins its body with tremendous force. Irwin found himself pinned underneath the enormous animal.

Surviving Against the Odds

He lay trapped beneath the crocodile with his arm exposed and no easy escape. The situation was genuinely life-threatening. Yet Irwin managed to stay calm under extreme pressure. He credits a combination of training, instinct, and sheer luck for his survival.

The crocodile rolled back the other way, giving Robert the window he needed to escape. “It was just sort of luck would have it,” he admitted honestly. He acknowledged that no amount of skill fully prepares you for that moment. Sometimes, survival simply comes down to fortune.

Despite the terrifying ordeal, Irwin delivered the story with humor and perspective. He compared the experience to the grueling training required for Dancing with the Stars. “Honestly, compared to dancing – give me a crocodile any day,” he laughed. That line perfectly captures his fearless, self-deprecating personality.

From Croc Research to Inflatable Crocs in the Outback

Following his DWTS win, Irwin told PEOPLE magazine about his upcoming plans. He intended to return to Australia for several weeks of remote crocodile research. The expedition takes him deep into Northern Australia, far from the spotlight. His commitment to conservation remains as strong as ever.

He also launched a new brand partnership with Columbia Sportswear. The ad campaign involved a very different kind of crocodile challenge. Irwin navigated hundreds of inflatable crocs across the Australian outback. It was, he acknowledged, a considerably safer encounter than his famous death roll.

“I’ve spent my entire life around crocs,” he told Business Wire about the shoot. He admitted he never imagined outrunning dozens of crocodiles in the middle of the outback. Even if they were inflatable this time, the spirit of adventure was entirely real. Irwin continues to blend wildlife passion with mainstream cultural impact effortlessly.

A Legacy Lived Boldly and Joyfully

Robert Irwin carries his father’s legacy with remarkable grace and energy. He merges serious conservation work with genuine entertainment talent. From surviving a 700-pound crocodile attack to hosting a primetime dance competition, he does it all. Steve Irwin would undoubtedly be proud.

The young Irwin shows no signs of slowing down. He balances wildlife research, television hosting, and major brand partnerships simultaneously. Each venture reflects the same infectious enthusiasm he brings to everything. Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro on ABC promises to be another exciting milestone in his already remarkable journey.