Robert Irwin Set to Host New 'Dancing With the Stars' Spinoff After Mirrorball Win
Fresh off his triumphant victory as the champion of 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 34, Robert Irwin is now in advanced discussions to take on a hosting role for an exciting new spinoff series titled 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.' This announcement marks a significant expansion of the beloved dance competition franchise, leveraging Irwin's recent success and popularity to launch a fresh format aimed at discovering new talent.
'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro' to Feature Intense Audition Process
The upcoming reality series, 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,' is designed to showcase up-and-coming professional dancers who will compete in a rigorous and grueling audition process. Participants will live together in a shared house, creating a dynamic environment that tests not only their dance skills but also their resilience and teamwork under pressure. The ultimate prize for the winner is a highly coveted position as a professional dancer on the upcoming 35th season of the main 'Dancing With the Stars' show, offering a direct pathway to stardom within the franchise.
Potential Judges Include Mark and Shirley Ballas
According to reports from Variety, the spinoff is attracting notable figures from the dance and entertainment worlds as potential judges. Beyond Robert Irwin's involvement, current 'Dancing With the Stars' pro Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, are also in discussions to join the judging panel. Both bring extensive competition series experience; Shirley competed on 'Celebrity Bear Hunt' in 2025, while Mark is currently featured on the ongoing season of 'The Traitors.' Their expertise could add depth and credibility to the new competition, blending dance knowledge with broader entertainment insights.
Robert Irwin Addresses Rumors and Future Projects
While Robert Irwin is poised to dance into this new hosting role, he has also been the subject of speculation regarding other high-profile opportunities. Rumors have circulated suggesting he might be considered as the leading man for an upcoming season of 'The Bachelor.' In response to these rumors, Irwin adopted a cautiously optimistic stance, telling Entertainment Tonight on February 6, "I'm in this realm right now where I'm like, 'never say never.'" This comment reflects his openness to diverse career moves while he focuses on his current endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Production Details and Broadcast Plans
As per Entertainment Weekly, the 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro' series has not yet entered active production, and an official airdate remains unconfirmed. However, it is reportedly slated to air on ABC and Hulu, aligning with the broadcast and streaming strategies of the main show. This dual-platform approach aims to maximize viewership and accessibility, catering to both traditional television audiences and digital subscribers. The development of this spinoff underscores the franchise's ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its reach in the competitive reality TV landscape.
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