Robert Irwin is set to co-host I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! We discover his best mates are gay, he loves ABBA, and doesn’t compromise on his underwear. Crikey! Is he our best Straight Mate yet?
DNA: How does it feel hosting I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here?
Robert Irwin: It’s indescribably exciting! My bags are packed and I’m ready to go! I’ve been visiting Hoedspruit, where the show is filmed, since I was 11 and it’s a place very near and dear to my heart as we support a lot of conservation projects there. It feels like a new way to continue the message from those projects and to reach a whole new audience. It’s a dream come true.
Did you actually visit the set of the show when you were a kid?
I did. I had a guest appearance with my family where we were dropped in! We were in a big timber box and the contestants came into camp to find a big surprise – The Irwins! That was a great time to be involved because it was the season with Shane Warne. I remember taking in this big theatrical set-up, and now to be back as host is like coming full circle.
Did you secretly dream of being the host?
I looked at Dr Chris Brown and thought, “Mate, I’m coming for you!” [Laughs] But I truly did think what an amazing experience it would be to get involved. I’ve also been a fan of the show for a long time and often imagined how I would go in some of those trials.
Have you also watched The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition?
I have! Another great show. Look out, Beau Ryan! I’m going to take everyone’s job!
So, would you go on The Amazing Race as a contestant?
Gee, you’d have to give it a go, wouldn’t you? I feel if I were asked, I’d have to! I know a few of the guys involved and they say it’s an amazing experience. But I feel like my life is already The Amazing Race. I end up in so many crazy, far-flung places with my conservation work. Man, I’m an old hand at that!
You’re a great photographer. Will you be taking the opportunity in South Africa to capture the wildlife?
How could I not? Where we film near the Drakensberg Mountains is something else. That place is gorgeous, and I plan to get out on a couple of photography expeditions. Australia Zoo supports the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit and the reserve where they patrol in Olifants West is a beautiful place. I hope to spend some time there.
You made a great musical promo for I’m A Celebrity, singing and dancing with co-host Julia Morris.
Mate! That was a stack of fun. As soon as I filmed it, I thought, “Wow, if this is anything to go by, this show is going to be a hoot!” It was an adrenaline-filled whirlwind. I had to get all my dance routines covered and now I feel I could take on Dancing With The Stars!
What song will always get you on the dancefloor?
[Laughs] Gosh, there are so many songs that I reckon fit into that, like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA. And then there’s Dancing Queen. That list goes on. I mean ABBA supplied the dancefloor songs of the century. I love the Voulez-Vous album. It’s funny because my music is so varied. I’ll go from AC/DC to John Williamson. I think it’s good to have a broad taste in music. You’ll never get bored.
Do you have gay mates you hang out with?
One hundred per cent! Luke, who was one of my best mates growing up, is gay, and he’s also the general manager of Australia Zoo. He and his husband Mitch only recently got married and they are two of my closest mates. They are like big brothers. A lot of my mates are similarly into the natural world and like to get out exploring, hiking and surfing.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
Frans Lanting, who most people wouldn’t know, but he’s probably the only person who’s caught me in full star-struck mode. He’s one of the greatest ever wildlife photographers. I saw him at some photography awards in London and I just about melted. It’s funny because throughout my life I’ve met a lot of well-known figures and take everyone at face value but in terms of getting starstruck, it was Frans Lanting! The other is the dynamic duo of Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier who are known as the Brad and Angelina of the photography world, except they are still together and going strong. I haven’t met them in person, but I’ve had a lot to do with them over the years.
You also recently had Henry Winkler visit Australia Zoo.
True! What a wonderful day! He and his lovely wife spent the morning looking around our wildlife hospital. What an iconic individual! We talked a bit about my I’m A Celebrity gig and he gave me a bit of advice. He’s a very down-to-earth philanthropic guy and Happy Days is such a classic and one of mum’s favourites. Ron Howard also came to Australia Zoo just before Henry and he’s also very philanthropic. He donated to our charity and is vocal on social media about conservation. He happens to be one of the greatest film directors, too.
You and your sister Bindi guest-starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under!
We did! What an experience that was! It was hilarious!
And you didn’t even have to drag up!
[Laughs] No, I just threw on my khakis and was ready to go. I had only met RuPaul in person very briefly at an awards show, but what an incredible individual. I was very honoured when Bindi and I were asked to be on the show. We had one of our beautiful big Burmese pythons with us. It was a bit of a Britney Spears moment!
When it comes to music, who is your diva?
I reckon Olivia Newton-John is one of the greatest artists not only in Australia but the world. She was and is such an inspiration to myself, my family, and an entire generation. She’s just the absolute boss and is missed dearly in our family. We did a lot with her charity and are kindred spirits with her. Olivia is an icon I look up to.
You’ve guest starred on The Tonight Show 11 times! What’s that like?
I’ve had nothing but the best experiences on The Tonight Show. Jimmy Fallon is a hard-working force of nature and such a kind human being. He’s one of those people at the top of his field and the most down-to-earth bloke. I did a lot of animal hosting segments, which led to some funny experiences with people I never thought I’d work with. That was the start of my comedic journey, too, because we did a skit where I played an exaggerated version of myself. I think all that set me up well for the I’m A Celebrity gig!
Celebrity man crush?
Oh, what a good question. I’ll go with Pedro Pascal (The Last Of Us). What a dude! That bloke seems so cool. I’m a huge Star Wars nerd so I love him in The Mandalorian and The Book Of Boba Fett. I also got to watch him host Saturday Night Live in the US and he’s very charismatic.
________________________________________________________________________
Photography: Wikimedia.
