Dancing With the Stars Season 34 finalist Robert Irwin is pushing through a painful rib injury just hours before the highly anticipated finale, sparking concern about whether he will be able to deliver a full-strength performance on the ballroom floor.
The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist, who has become a fan favorite this season, has reportedly been suffering severe rib pain throughout the final week of rehearsals. His professional dance partner Witney Carson revealed the situation in a TikTok video posted Tuesday, Nov. 25, saying the injury will be explained in more detail during tonight’s live episode.
“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 shared in the video.
Routine Changed Due to Injury
Carson explained that the injury forced the pair to adjust their freestyle choreography, the most important performance of the night, which determines who takes home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
“It’s honestly the most stressful part because this is just getting it all together, and it’s going to take some time,” Carson said, referring to the final days of preparation.
The two have been training intensely for 11 weeks, and Carson admitted that fatigue and emotion are running high as the season comes to a close.
“My body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. We’re, like, kind of falling apart right now,” she said. “Just trying to keep it together for like two more days.”
From Perfect Scores to Painful Pressure
Irwin and Carson head into the finale with significant momentum after earning a perfect score and a near-perfect score during last week’s semifinals. Many viewers and judges have praised Irwin’s dramatic improvement from early episodes, calling his growth one of the most impressive transformations of the season.
Still, the rib injury raises questions about whether he will be physically able to match his previous performances—especially during a finale that requires three dances: Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle.
Carson described the finale week as emotionally overwhelming.
“I was so emotional yesterday. I couldn’t stop crying, I think for a bunch of different reasons,” she admitted.
A High-Profile Finalist
Irwin is well known beyond the ballroom, recognized globally as the son of late conservation icon Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. Robert works at Australia Zoo, stars in Crikey! It’s the Irwins, and hosts the Australian reality series I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! He also voices a character in Disney’s upcoming animated sequel Zootopia 2, premiering soon.
Despite the pain, Irwin appears determined to compete and finish the season strong—keeping fans hopeful for an inspiring underdog victory story.
DWTS Season 34 Finale Airs Tonight
ABC & Disney+
8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
