After winning Dancing with the Stars Season 34, Robert Irwin is returning to the ballroom, but this time as a host rather than a contestant. The wildlife conservationist and television personality will lead Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a new spinoff that gives aspiring ballroom dancers the opportunity to earn a coveted place among the professional cast of the hit competition series.
Speaking during an interview on Good Morning America, Irwin reflected on his transition from contestant to host, saying the new role feels like a natural next step in his journey.
“Going from contestant to host, first of all, I’m not getting judged, so that’s great. The other thing is, also, I feel like I can be, in some way, a bit of a mentor, because I’m obviously not the best dancer, but I had the best partner, I had Witney Carson,” Irwin said.
He added that his experience working alongside professional dancer Witney Carson has given him valuable insight that he hopes to pass on to the show’s contestants.
“So, I know what it is to have a great pro partner teaching me … I can say to these hopefuls, ‘Hey, this is what it takes.'”
What Is Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?
The new competition series follows 12 emerging ballroom dancers as they compete through multiple audition rounds for the chance to become the next professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars.
Unlike the flagship series, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, The Next Pro focuses entirely on accomplished ballroom performers looking to launch their careers on the long-running ABC show.
Irwin emphasized that the level of competition is much higher than viewers may expect.
“These aren’t celebrity contestants that have given [ballroom dancing] a go, these are the best in the industry, so it is hard,“ he explained. “It is really, really hard.“
The winner of the competition will officially join the professional lineup for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
Filming Near Australia Zoo
One unique aspect of the production was its location. Irwin revealed that The Next Pro was filmed close to Australia Zoo, allowing him to introduce members of the dance community to the wildlife park where he has spent much of his life.
“We actually filmed The Next Pro right down the road from Australia Zoo,” Irwin explained.
He also shared that the contestants and crew were able to experience the zoo firsthand.
“Showing all of my dance family Australia Zoo, welcoming them in, I got them their own khaki uniforms — they’re in there cuddling koalas and wrangling crocodiles.“
Robert Irwin Shares Advice for Season 35 Contestants
Although Irwin has moved into a hosting role, he remains closely connected to the Dancing with the Stars family and is looking forward to watching the next season unfold.
Among the contestants he is excited to support are Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality Guillermo Rodriguez and Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson, whom he recently spoke with before filming began.
Recalling the advice he offered Olson, Irwin said:
“I said, ‘Mate, the thing is, anyone who does this show, I say, you’ve got to lean in, you’ve got to let go, enjoy the process, trust your partner, and try to tell your story.'”
He believes storytelling is what makes the competition stand out from other dance shows.
“That’s what sets Dancing with the Stars apart. It’s so much more than dancing. We can tell a message.”
Premiere Details
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premieres on Monday on ABC, with episodes becoming available to stream the following day on Hulu.
The new series marks another milestone in Robert Irwin’s growing television career, expanding his role from wildlife conservation and reality competition winner to mentor and host for the next generation of ballroom professionals.