Robert Irwin secured the Dancing With the Stars Season 34 mirrorball trophy, fueling ongoing speculation about his relationship with Xochitl Gómez. Gómez was visibly supportive throughout the finale.
The 19-year-old former DWTS champion encouraged fans to vote for Irwin on her Instagram stories, writing, "Send ROBERT to 21523." She later shared clips of Irwin’s freestyle routine.
Irwin, 21, and professional dancer Witney Carson were crowned champions on Tuesday, November 25. They beat out former partner of Gómez, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Alix Earle. Gómez and Chmerkovskiy, 39, won Season 32 in 2023.
"I’m incredibly proud of you two," Gómez posted on Instagram stories, tagging Irwin and Carson. "What a season! ❤️ ✨."
Hours before the live finale, Gómez was pictured giving a bouquet of flowers to Irwin backstage. Following his victory, viral social media images captured Irwin embracing Gómez. He appeared to say, "Thank you. How are you?"
Gómez and Irwin had previously partnered during Season 34’s relay round. Contestants danced with a former champion in a head-to-head battle.
Gómez praised the collaboration with Irwin and Carson. "Witney choreographed [the number] and I’m not gonna lie, I was more excited to dance with Witney and be taught by her," Gómez told Entertainment Tonight. "Her lines, her precision, her technique is amazing."
She also noted Irwin’s energetic personality. "It was just Robert and I for three hours and, oh my gosh! Witney taught him a trick or two because he was correcting me in the most polite way possible."
Irwin’s single status has been a frequent topic of conversation during his DWTS run. His appearances and interactions with Gómez have only intensified relationship rumors.
Irwin addressed dating speculation last month when asked by TMZ if they were a couple. "Oh my goodness! We just had an incredible time and that dance was hilarious," he said. "She’s the best. It’s really, really been good."
Irwin, however, avoided confirming any romantic relationship with the Marvel actress. He remained reserved about his love life weeks later.
"Wow, that’s so hard to navigate!" Irwin told The New York Times in a profile published on Sunday, November 23, referring to dating in the public eye. "Anything you do is going to be on TikTok the next day. I don’t have a personality to hide behind. It’s just me, and I stay true to who I am."
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. New episodes are available to stream on Hulu the following day.