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Earlier today, we reported the news that Taylor’s season is on Frankie Paul Bachelorette It may air on ABC and Hulu starting in July.
This news came thanks to an anonymous tip received by reliable gossip outlet Deux Moi.
But the tip also included a different, equally newsworthy claim about the future of the franchise, which is that Robert Irwin — son of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin — is being examined as the next Bachelor.
“ABC hopes to finalize a deal with Robert Irwin to lead the show this fall, but if not, the next option is runner-up Taylor from her season. “The next few months should be exciting for the Bachelor franchise,” the source wrote in an email.
Speculation that Robert might be tapped to be the next Rosemaster general has been circulating for weeks.
But it really gained momentum today when Deux Moi renewed conversations surrounding the possibility of producers being interested in environmental conservation and modern Dancing with the stars Champion for this role.
Yes, Irwin has become something of a de facto standout center in recent months.
After charming viewers (and seemingly everyone with access to social media) during his winning run on DWTS, the 22-year-old has become even more popular.
ABC already has a strong working relationship with Robert:
Irwin recently announced that he would be returning to television as host of the show Dancing with the Stars: The Next Professionala new spinoff debuting this summer on ABC and Hulu.
Of course, there’s a pretty big hurdle to the whole “Robert as a Bachelor” fantasy: Does he even want to party?
Irwin has previously been candid about the challenges of dating while juggling public life and major conservation work in Australia.
Earlier this year, he admitted that romance can be “difficult to navigate” (via Reality Tea), while emphasizing that he stays true to himself regardless of the spotlight.
However, fans are already imagining what the season might look like under Robert Irwin. He’s basically the opposite of Taylor’s Frankie Paul, and the result may be the most rewarding season in Bachelor Nation history.
And frankly, the franchise could probably use a reset.
Nothing has been officially confirmed by ABC, Hulu, or Irwin himself, so for now the rumor remains just that – a rumor.
But if producers are looking for a prequel with real charm, built-in fan support, and enough wholesome energy to make up for years of franchise chaos, Robert could be the answer.
Taylor’s situation may have made producers a little skittish when considering a Celebrity Bachelor.
But there don’t seem to be any skeletons in Robert’s closet, and he’s already a fan favorite.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
