Robert Irwin is keeping his love life out of the spotlight, but there is increasing interest in his bond with his rumoured new girlfriend, Ashleigh Scully.
The Wildlife Warrior, 22, was seen looking very friendly with the American wildlife photographer while filming the US Dancing With The Stars spinoff – The Next Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast in March.
And now reports have emerged that Irwin’s famous family, which includes mum Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin, have ‘concerns’ about the speed with which the blossoming romance is advancing.
‘It’s not that they’re questioning Ashleigh herself,’ a source tells In Touch Weekly magazine.
‘In fact, they think she seems lovely and can completely understand why he’s so taken with her.
‘Their concern is more that he’s already racing ahead and making all sorts of plans when the relationship is still very new.’
Robert Irwin (pictured) is keeping his love life out of the spotlight, but there is increasing interest in his bond with his rumoured new girlfriend, Ashleigh Scully
The Wildlife Warrior, 22, was seen looking very friendly with the American wildlife photographer (pictured) while filming the US Dancing With The Stars spinoff – The Next Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast in March
Terri, 61, and Bindi, have ‘concerns’ that are ‘valid,’ the source added.
Robert is reportedly keen to integrate Ashleigh into the family business, and ‘wants her spending time at Australia Zoo, getting to know the family business and becoming part of the wider Irwin world,’ the source says.
That has raised some eyebrows in his family, who reportedly feel that perhaps the young zoo owner is moving too fast.
Robert looked very comfortable in Ashleigh’s company when they were pictured arriving at a Gold Coast parking garage in March.
Ashleigh is a professional wildlife photographer who specialises in Arctic wildlife and underwater photography.
Like Robert, Ashleigh began her passion for photography at a tender age, picking up the camera at eight.
In 2021, she was named Outstanding Young Nature Photographer by the North American Nature Photography Association.
Aside from her photography prowess, Ashleigh is also an accomplished athlete, serving as Texas Christian University’s (TCU) equestrian team captain for the 2024-25 season.
The multi-talented Ashleigh also holds a BA and MA in Literature from TCU.
Terri, 61, and Bindi, have ‘concerns’ that are ‘valid,’ the source said. Robert is pictured with his mother Terri
She also bears more than a passing resemblance to Robert’s ex Rorie Buckley.
Rumours about a romance between the pair have been swirling for quite some time.
Back in 2019, Woman’s Day reported that Robert, then 15, had grown close with Ashleigh, after the pair met in the US.
The pair also sit on the judging panel for the Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition.
In February this year, the rumour mill went into overdrive when the pair were spotted on a deep sea diving expedition with US television personality Dylan Efron.
One photo showed Robert sitting next to Ashleigh in a boat, decked out in scuba gear.
They looked chuffed to be in each other’s company, beaming as they posed for the group happy snap.
Many were quick to comment on the photo, suggesting that it was a ‘soft launch’ for the couple.
In February this year, the rumour mill went into overdrive when the pair were spotted on a deep sea diving expedition with US television personality Dylan Efron
Robert has largely kept his personal life out of the spotlight in recent years.
During his winning stint on US Dancing With The Stars, Robert was linked to actress Xochitl Gomez.
He was also previously in a relationship with Rorie Buckley, the niece of late Aussie actor Heath Ledger.
After marking their red carpet debut in July 2023, the relationship had petered out by February 2024.
Reports later emerged that Terri’s opinions of the relationship may have contributed to the break-up.
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