Front Row: Robert Irwin drops relationship truth bomb and MAFS star takes on internet ‘weirdos’

Front Row is a new weekly column on nine.com.au bringing you behind the scenes of some of the Aussie entertainment industry’s biggest parties, premieres, and more. Got a tip? Email us at frontrow@nine.com.au.

This week, Front Row went behind the velvet curtain to find out what Robert Irwin is really like when the cameras stop rolling. Plus, former MAFS star Domenica Calarco opens up about taking on the internet trolls who tried to ruin her daughter’s first birthday.

What Robert Irwin is really like when the cameras stop rolling

If you were watching Robert Irwin’s energetic dance performance at the Logies a few weeks back, you’d be forgiven for assuming he just rolled up on the day, flashed his signature grin, and improvised the whole thing.

Well, prepare to have your mind blown: Australia's favourite wildlife warrior is actually an absolute perfectionist.

An insider from the set dropped some major backstage tea to Front Row, revealing that Rob spent four full days in hardcore rehearsals with his backup dancers to get every single step right.

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Given his insane schedule, nobody expected him to show up for days on end – but he did.

Even better? Our source confirmed that the Logies host is every bit as lovely off-camera as he is on it.

“He was genuinely so nice,” our insider spilled, adding that Rob was very open when the crew asked him about his dad, Steve Irwin, who tragically passed away 20 years ago.  

"We asked him about his dad, and he was super open to talking about it."

Naturally, the crew couldn’t resist prying into his love life – and Rob didn’t dodge the question. Despite persistent rumours that he’s dating wildlife photographer Ashleigh Scully (after the pair were spotted on the Gold Coast back in March), our insider revealed the star dropped a subtle passing remark during rehearsals, insisting he is, in fact, single. 

Was it a genuine relationship bombshell, meaning Australia’s most eligible bachelor is officially back on the market? 

Or was it a masterclass in media training to keep his private life strictly off-grid?

We’ll let you decide – but either way, the nation can hold onto a little bit of hope!

MAFS’ Domenica Calarco unleashes on ‘weirdos’ over daughter’s first birthday

Speaking of internet madness, former MAFS bride Domenica Calarco has had just about enough of keyboard warriors having a go at her parenting.

After copping heat online over her co-parenting setup with ex Jarod Bogunovich, Dom was ready to leave the drama behind and focus on something positive: her daughter Dove’s first birthday. The doting first-time mum went all out with a weekend of celebrations, including a stunning enchanted garden-themed party.

Some TikTok users took issue with Calarco daring to make a fuss of her child’s milestone and flooded her with comments about how Dove “won’t even remember” any of it anyway.

When Front Row caught up with Dom, she did not hold back. 

“It's really sad because it shows where the world's at, and where people's values are at, the fact that the majority of people are being like ‘It's a first birthday, she's not going to remember it, who cares,’” she told Front Row. 

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“What are we living for then? She’s going to have the photos, the videos of us singing happy birthday to her, and know just how loved and how happy she was.”

Dom said anyone who would scoff in the face of her one-year-old daughter’s joy needs to sort out their priorities.

She had a clear message for anyone scoffing at her joy as a new mum – keep it to yourself.

“It’s so bullshit when people try to minimise your passion. It’s really frustrating. It’s almost like stonewalling, when people don’t understand your passion or your feelings,” she said.

“At the end of the day, I could not be f---ed trying to explain myself to these weirdos on the internet because they’re not going to listen. They’ve already made up their mind.” 

Say what you will about Dom, but one thing's for sure: nobody comes for her or her family and gets away with it!