DANCING With the Stars producers have already chosen a clear favorite to win the Mirrorball Trophy this season, an insider told The U.S Sun.
Season 34 of DWTS kicks off on Tuesday, September 16 with a cast of 14 celebrities and their professional partners, who all have their eyes on the prize.
The latest cast of DWTS made their debut on GMA on September 3[/caption]
Robert Irwin is paired with Witney Carson for Season 34[/caption]
Robert cozied up to Witney in New York ahead of the premiere[/caption]
Bindi, here in 2017 in Melbourne, won the Mirrorball Trophy on Season 21 in 2015, when she was just 17 years old[/caption]
Bindi and Robert’s father was Steve Irwin, the beloved ‘Crocodile Hunter’ who died suddenly in 2006[/caption]
The insider said show producers are “all in” on Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson.
“Every season producers have their clear favorites they kind of give the ‘hero’s edit,’ but this year, it’s not even fair for the other contestants,” the insider claimed.
“The show is all in on Robert and Witney.”
Robert’s sister Bindi winning Season 21, his handsome looks and his resemblance to beloved late father Steve all help to make him a “producer’s dream,” the source explained.
“They are heavily leaning into the nostalgic factor of Robert looking and acting so much like his dad.
“They love the family affair of Bindi being a former winner and are bringing her to the premiere, where she will be featured during his segments.
“The producers would be thrilled if Robert won because he’s that lovable, family-friendly, non-political figure they need right now.
“Not only that but his story tugs at the heartstrings and he’s always game to play ball.”
Of course, U.S. viewers vote for their favorite contestant, but “the show will do everything they can to support him making it to the end,” the source insisted.
Robert, 21, was only 2 years old when his famous “Crocodile Hunter” zookeeper dad Steve died from a stingray injury in 2006.
He is now following in his dad’s footsteps by continuing to work with animals, while also starring on reality TV and modeling.
OTHER FRONTRUNNERS
Producers also love The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Whitney Leavitt and pro partner Mark Ballas, who is making his return to the ballroom after three years off.
“Mark is obviously family to the crew and judges but Whitney has been a huge surprise in the best way,” the source said.
“She’s a killer dancer and working extremely hard in pre-show rehearsals.
“Her talent mixed with her polarizing reality persona is the perfect mixture of drama and performance they’re looking for.
“They’ll be favored from a production standpoint too. Producers expect them to go to the end.”
Robert and Whitney will join their celebrity co-stars including Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, podcaster Alix Earle, The Traitors star Dylan Efron, and Alec Baldwin’s wife Hilaria.
This season’s judges are Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, and hosts are Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro.
Carrie Ann announced she would be missing the season premiere due to illness, but plans to be back at the judges’ table next week.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are also expected to heat up the dance floor[/caption]
Bindi, Robert and their mom Terri, here with Steve’s dad, continue to honor his legacy[/caption]
