Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez did little to dispel dating rumors at a private pre-show powwow.
Irwin, who was one of four finalists on Tuesday’s season finale of Dancing with the Stars, was pictured having some private fun with Gomez ahead of the big night.
In photos obtained by TMZ, 19-year-old Gomez gave Erwin a giant bouquet of flowers and lovingly hugged him from the side as they laughed and chatted.
The actress wore a black strapless dress with a detachable collar, while Irwin wore a sparkling black button-down top and slacks.
A source told the outlet that Gomez also “spent some time behind the scenes” with Irwin’s family.
Page Six has reached out to representatives for Irwin and Gomez.
The winner of season 32 of the dance competition series with Val Chmerkovskiy first sparked rumors that she was dating Irwin, 21, after she performed a jaw-dropping dance routine at the show’s 20th anniversary celebration earlier this month.
When TMZ later told Irwin that “everyone” was “asking” if they were an “item,” Irwin instead focused his attention on how much “fun” he had during the intimate performance.
“Oh my god, I had the best time,” Irwin told the outlet, adding, “That dance was so much fun.”
In a high-energy performance, the conservationist and “DWTS” alum delivered a high-energy jive to Olly Murs’ “Dance with Me Tonight.”
Irwin also paid tribute to his late father Robert Irwin, sister Bindi Irwin and professional partner Witney Carson on Foxtrot.
“It was so cool to do two such distinctive dances,” Robert told TMZ on Nov. 14.
“It was very slow and heartfelt. And dancing with Xochitl was just like energy and fun,” Robert gushed of Gomez. “She was great, really, really great.”
Robert was spotted with Gomez after it was revealed the Australian TV personality had injured his ribs hours before the competition.
“Today’s (camera) blocking is a little stressful because we have to put all the freestyles together. Robert’s ribs killed him, but more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys will have a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week,” Carson explained via TikTok on Monday.
Carson also revealed that the dancing duo had to “change some things” in their routine, which was “the most stressful part.”
