Irwin family’s new crisis
Bindi’s boyfriend is feeling the strain as her family pile on the pressure
Since he met and fell in love with Bindi Irwin two years ago, Chandler Powell has done everything in his power to be a part of her family.
Not only did Bindi’s devoted boyfriend take the huge step of moving into Australia Zoo at the beginning of the year, he’s been determined to help Bindi and her mum Terri run the tourist attraction as they continue without Bindi’s dad, the late Steve Irwin.
But now zoo insiders are worried the pressure of stepping up and filling Steve’s shoes may have become too much to bear for Chandler, who is reportedly struggling to cope with what’s expected of him.
Not only has the professional wakeboarder clashed with Bindi on more than one occasion in recent weeks, it appears he may be trying to signal to Bindi that he wants to slow down.
In an interview with Today last week, Chandler and Bindi – touted as Australia’s new power couple whose fairytale romance is frequently compared to Terri and Steve’s own love story – were faced with questions about their rumoured engagement.
The pair had different ideas about how soon they’d be tying the knot. While Bindi hinted she’d like to settle down, “Who knows what the future holds?”, Chandler said they’re “just having fun and taking our time”.
But Bindi’s never been one to shy away from vocalising her feelings towards her American other half and how she looks to him to fill the gaping hole left by the tragic death of her dad in 2006.
“It’s no coincidence I’ve chosen to share my life with a young man who has similar qualities to my dad – protective, loving, trusting, loyal – I’m very lucky,” she said on her 18th birthday. “We’re doing our bit to keep the American and Aussie connection – just like my mum and dad!”
Meanwhile, Terri is fond of Chandler, too. “He’s adorable, well-mannered and has a beautiful nature,” she says, while Bindi’s little brother Robert, 13, called him “the big brother I never had”. With the whole nation wanting Bindi and Chandler to take the next step in their relationship, it’s not surprising the 20-year-old is feeling the pressure.
‘Chandler has similar qualities to my dad… It’s no coincidence!’