“DWTS IN CRISIS”: Robert Irwin BREAKS DOWN on Dancing With the Stars, Admitting It’s a ‘TOUGH WEEK’ as Grief Consumes Him, Sparking Fears Among Fans That Personal Loss Could Derail His Entire Season

Robert Irwin is opening up about the less glamorous parts of competing on Dancing with the Stars. 

In the midst of working on his routine for “Dedication Night” on the Oct. 14 episode of the ABC competition show, which he is dedicating to his mom Terri Irwin, the wildlife conservationist admitted it's been “a tough week.”

“We’ve been working hard and I've been sort of tapping into emotions that I haven't really gotten to share before — certainly not publicly,” Robert, 21, said in an Oct. 12 TikTok video. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, I've been thinking a lot about the highs and the lows, the grief, the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”

Robert’s father, Steve Irwin, died nearly two decades ago after being attacked by a stingray off the coast of Australia while filming an underwater documentary. Robert was nearly 3 years old. 

Beyond navigating the complicated emotions that come with dealing with such sensitive tributes, Robert shared that he’s also found out the “devastating” news that his dog back at home in his native Australia, Stella, has cancer.

“She was found to have a mass that ended up being cancerous,” he explained. “She’s had surgery, she's doing okay post-surgery. We’re still waiting to find out exactly if it's spread and all that.”

 

 

 

 

 

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But while he says it's been “such a stressful time,” he also emphasized that navigating these difficult emotions has been “really beautiful.”

As he put it, “This dance has just been this culmination of so much emotion, and I just want this to be a point of vulnerability. I want this to be a dance not only for my mom, but for all of the moms out there that don't get the recognition that they deserve. I want this to be a dance for anyone who's lost someone.”

"I'm excited for you to see this,” he added. “I hope this dance can help people because it's certainly helped me.”

Indeed, the Australian native has previously said that being on the show has helped him feel more connected to his dad.

“I'm doing this and I do what I do in life to make him proud,” Robert told PEOPLE of his late father last month. “Dad was the person who just gave everything he did, everything he had truly. And this experience, that's what you've got to do. You've got to show every side to yourself. You've got to put every single fiber of your energy into this, and you get all of that back.”

And when he did a tango with partner Witney Carson to “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior during the Sept. 23 episode, he felt like he was channeling him more than ever.

“There isn't a day goes by where someone isn't sharing how dad inspired them,” he gushed on the show. “It means everything to me, because every year I live, I actually feel closer to my dad.”

Inside “Lake Bailey”: Cynthia Bailey’s $1.3 Million Georgia Dream Home That Redefines Peace and Power

When The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey first introduced fans to “Lake Bailey,” her stunning Georgia home, it wasn’t just another reality TV mansion moment — it was a declaration of independence, peace, and self-love. Purchased in 2016 for $1.3 million, the breathtaking lakefront property has since become both her personal sanctuary and one of the most recognizable homes in Bravo history.

Located in a serene corner of Georgia, “Lake Bailey” sits gracefully on a quiet waterfront, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters. The two-story residence boasts six bedrooms and five bathrooms, blending rustic elegance with modern design. Expansive windows flood the home with natural light, framing panoramic views of the lake that make every sunrise feel cinematic. Inside, the décor reflects Cynthia’s signature style — minimalist, warm, and effortlessly chic — featuring wood accents, sleek finishes, and cozy neutral tones that invite relaxation.

One of the home’s standout features is its sunroom, a space Cynthia often calls her “zen zone.” It’s where she meditates, journals, and sometimes films her reflective social media videos that inspire fans worldwide. The finished basement adds another layer of luxury, doubling as an entertainment space perfect for hosting close friends and family — something Bailey cherishes deeply.

For Cynthia, “Lake Bailey” isn’t just a home — it’s a symbol of rebirth. After years of public scrutiny, reality TV drama, and high-profile relationships, she wanted a place that truly represented who she was becoming: strong, independent, and centered. “This house was my peace project,” she once shared. “I wanted somewhere that felt like

me — calm, grounded, and full of love.”

Even years after its purchase, “Lake Bailey” remains one of the most talked-about Bravo homes — not for its extravagance, but for its heart. Cynthia Bailey’s choice to invest in a home that prioritizes serenity over status has made her a quiet icon of balance in a world that often celebrates chaos.

In a reality TV landscape obsessed with opulence, Cynthia’s message through “Lake Bailey” is clear: true luxury isn’t measured by square footage or marble countertops — it’s found in the peace you build for yourself.

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