Robert Irwin reveals terrifying ‘DWTS’ gaffe on stage: ‘I almost died’

Robert Irwin had suffered a terrifying incident that went unnoticed while he performed on the stage this week at Dancing With the Stars and his partner Witney Carson was blissfully unaware.

The 21-year-old Aussie wildlife warrior performed a ballroom dance for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night to the tune of Icky Thump by The White Stripes.

The power-packed and steamy performance left the audiences enthralled as the dancing duo nailed every step in their routine, earning them two 9s and two 10s from the judges. The cheers and applause from the audience was also a key indicator that they all enjoyed the show.

However, what many didn’t know that the beloved Aussie almost didn’t survive as he almost choked on his life. During an interview with ET following the performance, Robert narrated his end of the story finally letting his exasperation come through his cheerful demeanour.

“I almost died tonight,” he declared. “I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance.”

He continued with animated expressions, “Legit I went over to Witney and I think they cut away and I inhaled a piece of confetti.” Robert turns to Witney and tells her how he “couldn’t breathe” while recreating his gaging expressions and how he finally popped out the piece.

The host added that everyone was glad that Robert is “still here with us”, to which he quipped, “I almost wasn’t”.

Witney chimes in sharing that she will continue to protect him and had she known she would have “shielded” him.