Wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin is the first celebrity dancer revealed for the latest season of “Dancing With the Stars,” which premieres September 14.
The 17-year-old Australian is the daughter of Terri Irwin and the late Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
“I am unbelievably thrilled and truly blessed to be in the City of Angels to be part of this season of Dancing With The Stars,” Irwin said on the ABC reality series’ Facebook page.
“This will be a completely new adventure for me and I’m excited to share my journey. Life is about daring to dream, I’m in love with this city and ready to fall in love with the music and dance to come.”
Irwin first appeared on television with her father when she was just a baby, growing up before his fans’ eyes. Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray on a television shoot in 2006, when his daughter was 8 years old.
Rather than retreat from the public eye when her father died, she’s continued her parents’ work in wildlife conservation. She’s starred in wildlife shows such as “Bindi: The Jungle Girl,” “Bindi’s Bootcamp” and “Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors.” She’s also appeared in films such as “Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove” and “Return to Nim’s Island.”
Rumer Willis and professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy won season 20 of “Dancing with the Stars” in May. Willis is the daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Other season 20 participants included singer-actor Riker Lynch, who came in second, and military veteran Noah Galloway, who came in third. Singer Patti LaBelle, football player Michael Sam and musician RedFoo also competed.
The full list of “Dancing with the Stars” season 21 participants will be released September 2.
