Channel 10 ‘not happy’ Robert Irwin is bringing his ‘helicopter’ mother Terri as his date to the Logies, after the mother-son duo suffered backlash for being ‘joined at the hip’

Robert Irwin is the “hot favourite” to win the Gold Logie at the 64th annual TV Week Logie Awards on 18 August this year.

And there will be a very special guest with whom you will share this monumental moment.

Sources tell Daily Mail Australia that the famous conservationist, 20, will be accompanied by his mother and Irwin family matriarch Terri, despite recent backlash from fans who think the pair are “bound by the hip”.

Producers of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which Robert presents alongside Julia Morris, are said to be concerned that having his 59-year-old mother on his arm could “land with a thud among his core fans”.

‘The son of the late Steve Irwin is arguably Australia’s most talked-about bachelor in the TV industry and everyone knows he wouldn’t have a hard time getting a date, so his decision seems a little odd,’ the source said.

‘He told I’m A Celebrity producers that he plans to share the night’s celebrations with his mother, who has been his biggest support.’

They continued: ‘However, producers feel their decision is going to land with a thud among their core fans.

‘Mother and son travel everywhere together and since he broke up with Lorie Buckey they seem closer than ever.

“It’s a strange dynamic for a 20-year-old to be so attached to his mother and many think it’s time for Robert to come out from under her wings,” the source added.

The question of who Robert would choose to be on his arm at the Logies this year was widely speculated upon among industry insiders, given that most attendees are not allowed to bring guests with them.

“That’s how packed it is on awards night; the place just doesn’t have enough room,” the source said.

‘Only Gold Logie nominees are guaranteed the possibility of bringing a family member or friend with them. Normally, the nominee would bring their partner.

“These conversations are usually discussed internally with the unspoken rule that ‘network approval’ is required for whoever is accompanying him.”

However, it seems Robert intends to give that coveted guest seat to his mother, who also accompanied him to South Africa and was on set while filming I’m A Celebrity for Network Ten this year.

In April, an I’m A Celebrity producer She expressed her concern for Robert and his ever-present mother.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at the time, an unnamed producer admitted Terri’s presence on set every day was “a bit creepy”, saying: “It does have a ‘bring your mum to school camp’ feel to it.”

Terri, who has been in charge of the showbiz careers of Robert and his older sister Bindi since the death of their father Steve Irwin in 2006, apparently kept a close eye on everything Robert did while working on the show.

“The two have a great relationship and Terri couldn’t be nicer, but there aren’t many situations where employees have their mom with them at work, just to make sure everything is in order,” the source said.

Comparing Terri to the Kardashians’ famous “mom,” Kris Jenner, the producer claimed that Robert’s contract even included a section allowing him to bring his family to the set.

“The deal was finalized when Robert signed on as host at the end of last year. He wanted his family to come with him,” they stated, adding: “Maybe it’s just for this series, but maybe Terri will always be behind the scenes. Who knows?” .

Robert previously confirmed that the entire Irwin clan would be joining him in South Africa, telling him: The Daily Telegraph in January: “I invite everyone, including my little niece Grace, to come, so the whole family is there.”

While Terri was said to be “in her element” watching Robert win over audiences on the show, the producer cast some doubt on the zookeeper’s protective attitude, especially when it comes to his son’s love life.

Robert split from girlfriend Rorie Buckey earlier this year after nearly two years of dating, and there are reports claiming Terri’s views on the relationship may have contributed to the split.

“The rumor on set is that Robert has been keeping information from his mother about his love life, which is pretty standard for most 20-year-olds,” the source said, claiming that “cracks will continue to appear” if Terri continues to get involved in his love life.

However, the following month, Terri’s helicopter parenting tactics began raising questions from Robert’s fans when the couple posed together in several images shared on Instagram during their trips abroad in May.

In two of the photos, Terri and her son appeared smiling for the camera, and some critics complained that they were often seen together.

‘Are Robert and his mom joined at the hip? She’s in every picture you see of him,’ one person wrote in the comments, while another said, ‘He’s 20 now!’

However, there was plenty of support for their close relationship, with one person responding: “He’s a lucky young man to have her.”

Another wrote: “People are wondering why Robert has his mother in so many photos. Remember every day is precious. Life is fragile. The Irwins, like millions of other families, have suffered loss on a monumental scale.

“Steve was larger than life. It’s wonderful that they spent so much time together. Don’t be so critical.”

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Robert and Terri for comment.