Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, has been crowned this year's winner of Dancing with the Stars, a decade after his older sister Bindi won the same title.
The popular US dancing competition sees stars paired with professional dancers to perform in front of a panel of judges, with the audience also voting on their favourite couple.
The 21-year-old was favoured to win, with strong performances over the show's 11 weeks, including a tribute to his father and a surprise appearance from his sister Bindi.
With a legion of fans in the US, Irwin's finale had an Australian bent with one dance choreographed to a song by Australian rock band Jet.
During the three-hour finale, Irwin and his dance partner Witney Carson performed to songs by Avicii and Sam Sparro. They triumphed in the instant dance challenge” where they were told the style and song minutes before taking to the stage.
Irwin, who competed in the final despite having a rib injury, beat fellow finalists including influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, and achieved a perfect score shortly after other contestants did.
Brought to tears after his final performance, Irwin expressed, I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here,” referring to his father Steve. Known for his wildlife shows, Steve Irwin passed away in 2006, leaving a lasting legacy as a champion for wildlife conservation.
Continuing his father's legacy, Robert Irwin is also an accomplished photographer and recently became an Earthshot ambassador.
