‘Falling apart’: Robert Irwin battling painful injury before DWTS grand final

Robert Irwin is powering through a painful rib injury as he prepares to battle for the Dancing With the Stars crown — with his pro partner revealing the pair are “falling apart” ahead of the show’s grand finale.

Irwin, 21, is hitting the stage against Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles and Elaine Hendrix, but his partner Witney Carson says the pair have been pushed to their limits.

“We’re kind of falling apart right now,” Carson admitted in a TikTok posted on November 24.

”My body is feeling it right now, Robert’s body is feeling it right now.”

The 32-year-old confirmed Irwin has been battling severe rib pain during the most crucial week of rehearsals.

“Robert’s ribs have been killing him,” she said, adding the injury has forced late changes to their routine.

“It’s honestly been the most stressful part.”

Despite the setback, the duo refused to step back from their training sessions.

“Last night we stayed until the studio closed down,” Carson said.

“They had to kick us out at 9pm”.

Irwin has also spoken about the emotional end to their DWTS journey, sharing a heartfelt message after wrapping their final rehearsal.

“I’m gonna miss this,” he wrote on Instagram, posting a video of the pair hugging in the studio.

“Thanks for the best memories, Witney. I will cherish this experience forever. One last night to dance — see you tomorrow, America.”

Robert Irwin’s not the only one pushing through the pain — with influencer Alix Earle revealing she’s also been battered by the gruelling competition, suffering bruised collarbones and even lost a toenail during practice.

News of Irwin’s rib injury comes after he became an overnight sensation in the US after joining Dancing With The Stars in September, winning over American audiences with his debut routine and charm.

However, the buzz around the 21-year-old wildlife warrior has come with an unexpected twist — he’s fully embracing life in Los Angeles.

Sources close to the Irwin family have told RadarOnline that Robert has been welcomed into the celebrity circuit and has no immediate plans to return to Australia.

Insiders say his rise on DWTS has brought a very Hollywood-style lifestyle: invitations to high-profile events and gifts, which has sparked speculation that Robert could be calling the United States home for the foreseeable future.

“That has sent his family into a panic,” a source said.

His sister, Bindi Irwin, who famously won DWTS in 2015, recently relocated to LA with her daughter Grace to support Robert during his season.

“She went under the guise of helping out with some publicity for him, but the truth is she wants to help reel him back in. She’s very worried,” the source added.

“He’s completely under the Hollywood spell right now, and it’s no wonder because he’s getting spoiled rotten.

“His mom and sister can’t help worrying what it will do to him.”

Terri Irwin, Bindi and her husband Chandler Powell, 29, have also been spotted in Robert’s trailer throughout the season, showing their support.

Season 34 of Dancing with The Stars is set to air at midday on Wednesday.