Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez fuel dating rumors with private meetup before ‘DWTS’ finale
Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez did little to dispel dating rumors with a private pre-show powwow.
Irwin, who is one of four finalists on Tuesday’s season finale of “Dancing With the Stars,” was pictured privately hanging out with Gomez ahead of the big night.
In photos obtained by TMZ, Gomez, 19, presented Irwin with a massive bouquet, gave him an affectionate side hug and laughed and chatted with him.
The actress wore a black strapless dress with a detached collar, while Irwin wore a sparkling black button down top and slacks.
Xochitl Gomez was spotted hanging out with Robert Irwin ahead of the “DWTS” finale. Disney
Photos published by TMZ on Tuesday showed the actress giving Irwin a bouquet. WireImage
A source told the outlet that Gomez also “spent some time backstage” with members of Irwin’s family.
Page Six has reached out to reps for Irwin and Gomez.
The actress — who won Season 32 of the dance competition series with Val Chmerkovskiy — first sparked dating rumors with Irwin, 21, with a jaw-dropping dance routine during the show’s 20th anniversary celebration earlier this month.
When TMZ later informed Irwin that “everyone” was “asking” if they were “an item,” Irwin instead directed attention to how much “fun” they had during the intimate performance.
Dating rumors first emerged after they performed a jive earlier this month. Disney via Getty Images
“Oh my gosh, we had the best time,” Irwin later told TMZ. Disney via Getty Images
“Oh my gosh, we had the best time,” Irwin told the outlet, adding, “That dance was so much fun.”
The high energy performance saw the nature conservationist and “DWTS” alum perform a high-energy jive to “Dance with Me Tonight” by Olly Murs.
Irwin also addressed his foxtrot tribute to his late father, Robert Irwin, along with his sister, Bindi Irwin, and pro partner, Witney Carson.
“It was so cool to do two, such distinct dances,” Robert told TMZ on Nov. 14.
“She’s the best, it’s been really, really great,” Irwin said of Gomez. Disney via Getty Images
Robert is set to compete with his partner Witney Carson on Tuesday’s season finale. Disney via Getty Images
“Like, one that was really slow and heartfelt. And then the dance with Xochitl which was just like energy and fun.” Robert gushed of Gomez. “She’s the best, it’s been really, really great.”
Robert’s sighting with Gomez comes after it was revealed the Australian TV personality suffered a rib injury hours before the competition.
“Today at [camera] blocking is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together. Robert’s ribs have been killing him and more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson explained via TikTok on Monday.
Carson also revealed that the dancing duo had to “change some things” in their routines, and it was “the most stressful part.”
