Fans of Robert Irwin believe the Aussie star has sparked a new romance with a long-time American friend he’s known since he was a teenager.
The I’m a Celebrity host US recently set off on a diving expedition alongside TV personality Dylan Efron and other friends, including American wildlife photographer Ashleigh Sculley.
Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in scuba suits, Robert, 22, and Sculley, 23, appeared all smiles as they posed for images shared by Efron to Instagram.
Sculley, a nature lover and diver from New Jersey, has a penchant for icy, unforgiving landscapes and typically shoots in the regions of Jersey, Wyoming, Alaska, Norway, and the oceans in between, according to her social media.
She was also a Division one college athlete for five years, and completed a Master’s thesis on the 19th century oil and whaling empire.
One TikTok user claimed the photos represented a relationship “Soft Launch” between Robert and Sculley, with others quick to throw their support behind the alleged romance due to the pair’s perceived compatibility.“
“An American girl who’s been a wildlife photographer since she was 8, a division I athlete, and has her masters in literature? Yup she’s perfect for him lol”, one person wrote.
“The fact that they have been friends for years makes this even cuter OMMMGGGGGG,” another said.
One person teased that Sculley “looks like Terri too”.
Robert and Sculley are annual judges for Crikey! Magazine’s Photography 2025 Competition.
They were once rumoured to have been dating as teens after their initial meeting in the US.
With many ties to the States, Robert’s mother Terri was raised in Oregon and migrated to Australia after striking up a relationship with the late Steve Irwin, whom she married in the early 90s.
The TV talent’s sister Bindi has a similar connection, sharing daughter Grace with American former professional wakeboarder Chandler Powell.
Robert famously won the US Dancing with the Stars late last year, a decade after sister Bindi achieved the same feat, and holds regular media and conservation commitments there.
Most recently, Robert’s list of romances are rumoured to include Dancing co-stars Hailey Bills and Xochitl Gomez.
Yet to formally reveal his latest romance, the popular figure announced his split from Aussie Rorie Buckey in February 2024 after an 18-month relationship.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.perthnow.com.au ’
