The Irwins

It’s Bob vs Bindi in the popularity stakes

Since the loss of their beloved dad in 2006, Robert Irwin Jr and sister Bindi have shared an incredibly close sibling bond.

But sources close to the family say their mum Terri, 54, is worried their new television show, Crikey!

It’s The Irwins, is causing a divide between the once inseparable pair.

“Robert is way more into the show than Bindi is, which is a huge surprise to everyone – especially Terri,” says a source. “But when it was decided by Terri and the show’s producers that Bindi’s boyfriend Chandler wouldn’t be involved, Bindi’s focus remained on her relationship.

“Bindi’s a lovely, polite girl and would never cause a fuss, but deep down she feels it’s a little unfair that her mum

allowed Chandler to train up as a croc handler, put in all the hard, dangerous work, and move from America to be with them, only for him to be excluded from their biggest project yet.”

Zoo sources tell Woman’s Day no one would be surprised if Bindi, 20, and Chandler, 22, branched out on their own – a move that appears to have been confirmed by Robert himself.

ROBERT IN CHARGE

Speaking in the first episode of the family’s new Animal Planet show, the 14-year-old confirmed he would be taking over Australia Zoo from his mother one day.

“That was a surprise to everyone, given that until now Bindi has been the biggest star,” says our insider.

“When you think about it, it makes sense. Robert has showed a lot more interest in the day-to-day running of the zoo – the zookeepers trust him with everything, even at his young age.

“Bindi seems more interested in the celebrity side of things and doesn’t spend a lot of time with the animals, unless it’s for a photo opportunity.”

Ironically – and much to 20-year-old Bindi’s dismay – it’s Robert who’s becoming the standout star.

“He’s trained to handle the more dangerous, exciting creatures so he gets way more screentime than Bindi, which is why people like TV host Jimmy Fallon in the US are desperate to get him on their shows on a regular basis,” says our Irwin insider.

“Bindi’s got her own designs on a stateside move – after all, Chandler’s from there and he wants to be closer to his family in Florida at some point – plus she was the darling of US TV when she won their Dancing With The Stars in 2015.

“She feels she and Chandler could get their own show without having to try hard. But if she’s not careful, she’ll be eclipsed by her super-talented little brother.”

An American producer with behind-the-scenes knowledge of the Irwins’ new series adds: “Eveeveryone’s obsessed with Rrobertb –he’s the real star of the show. He’s a natural in front of the camera and looks just like his dad. The Crocodile

Hunter was a huge hit in America, so naturally we adore young Robert.”

And for Bindi, her brother’s whirlwind leap to the top is somewhat overwhelming, not to mention annoying.

ALONE WITH CHANDLER

“Bindi’s in a bit of shock over the whole situation. She might be a professional entertainer but at the heart of it, she’s still just a kid, so she’s not sure how to deal with those feelings,” adds another insider.

“She’s reacting by withdrawing more and more into herself and is happiest spending time alone with Chandler. It’s almost as if she’s making it obvious to her mother – accept her boyfriend into the family officially, or they’ll leave the zoo.”

‘He’s trained to handle the more dangerous, exciting creatures’