Robert Irwin, known for his fearless adventures in the wild, found himself in an unexpected and perilous situation on the set of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). During a recent episode of the hit show, the Australian TV presenter and son of the late Steve Irwin revealed a harrowing incident that nearly turned tragic.
Since the start of Season 34, Irwin, alongside his dance partner Witney Carson, has emerged as one of the standout stars. Their performances have consistently impressed both fans and judges. However, during the latest episode, Irwin shared with Entertainment Tonight that he “almost died” due to an unexpected mishap involving a piece of confetti.
The Incident: A Close Call with Confetti
In a candid moment, Irwin recounted the near-disaster that occurred during the team dance performance. “Do you want an exclusive?” he teased, before revealing, “I almost died tonight. I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance. I went over to Witney and I think they cut away.”
The incident took place during the performance of Team Kool, which included host Julianne Hough, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, and team captain Andy Richter with partner Emma Slater. According to Irwin, the culprit was a rogue piece of confetti that he accidentally inhaled, momentarily obstructing his airway.
“I inhaled a piece of confetti. I couldn’t breathe,” Irwin shared. Thankfully, he was able to pop the paper out of his throat.
Carson, his dance partner, responded with relief and a touch of humor, admitting she was initially unaware of what was happening. “I would have been a shield like this with the confetti,” she playfully remarked.
Resilience and Recognition on the Dance Floor
Despite the frightening ordeal, Irwin and Carson’s performance did not falter. The pair managed to secure an impressive score of 38 out of 40, showcasing their resilience and determination. Their paso doble to The White Stripes’ “Icky Thump” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night left a lasting impression on the judges.
Judge Derek Hough praised Irwin, stating, “You didn’t just dominate, you owned this arena!”
Meanwhile, the competition saw the departure of Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel and her partner Pasha Pashkov, who were eliminated after receiving a score of 34 out of 40.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
As the season progresses, viewers eagerly anticipate the upcoming performances of the remaining contestants. Alongside Irwin and Carson, the lineup includes Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Andy Richter with Emma Slater.
Irwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars has not only highlighted his versatility beyond wildlife conservation but also sparked comparisons to iconic performers. His dedication and ability to overcome unexpected challenges resonate with audiences, drawing parallels to the tenacity of his late father, Steve Irwin.
As the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling performances and perhaps a few surprises from Robert Irwin and his fellow contestants. The show continues to captivate audiences, blending the glamour of dance with the unpredictability of live television.
