Robert Irwin admits dating is "so challenging to navigate" in the public eye

He told the New York Times newspaper: "Holy moly, that's so challenging to navigate."

He added that it's tough to get out there knowing "anything you do will be on TikTok the next day".

Robert grew up in the limelight thanks to his famous dad, and he insisted he has "no persona to hide behind".

He added: "I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am.

"It's just me, and I stand by who I am."

When the Dancing With The Stars contestant needs a break from fame, he enjoys being back in Australia where he can head out surfing in the morning.

He said: "That is my meditation. It's my church. It's my everything."

Robert's comments about dating come after he sparked romance rumours with Marvel actress Xochitl Gomez on DWTS after the performed an intimate routine together on the November 11 episode.

He played coy when he was asked about the rumour, instead simply telling TMZ: "We had the best time. That dance was so much fun."

He has heaped praise on the 19-year-old star, but made sure to keep the focus on their dance.

Speaking to Deadline, he said: "It feels like we're so on the same wavelength when it comes to approaching the jive.

"We're like, 'Make sure it's really fun and then Witney can come in and make sure your toes are pointed.' "

Robert recently revealed he "almost died" when a piece of confetti got stuck in his throat during a routine on the show, as he desperately tried to alert his dance partner Witney Carson.

Robert told Entertainment Tonight: "I almost died tonight.

"I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance. I went over to Witney, and I think they cut away, and I inhaled a piece of confetti. I couldn't breathe.

"I went over to [Witney] (signalling he couldn't breathe), and then I just went, 'Ugh!' And it just popped out! I'm not even kidding!"