Bindi Irwin Says Her Former DWTS Partner Derek Hough Is Going to Be ‘the Most Wonderful Dad’

Bindi Irwin thinks Derek Hough is more than ready to tackle his next big challenge off the ballroom floor: fatherhood.

The wildlife conservationist, 27, presented her former Dancing with the Stars partner, 40, with the Innovator Award at the 2025 Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 21. While introducing him, Irwin noted that Derek is going to be “the most wonderful dad.”

The dance pro and wife Hayley Erbert are expecting their first baby together.

In her speech, Irwin also reflected on her DWTS journey with Derek, praising him as “one of the most remarkable people I have ever known.”

“I first met Derek 10 years ago when we won season 21 of Dancing with the Stars together. I had absolutely no dance experience. I had never even worn high-heeled shoes, so I pretty much fell on my face like a baby giraffe,” she recalled, joking, “I don’t know if anyone’s seen a baby giraffe before, but boy, they fall on their face a lot when they’re born.”

Irwin continued: “But because of Derek’s kindness, determination, and unparalleled, very patient teaching skills, we took the [mirrorball trophy] home, and Derek continues to inspire the world with his storytelling through dance.”

She said Derek was “the most deserving person” for the Innovator Award because of “his relentless pursuit of excellence, his influence on a new generation of performers, and his unwavering belief in the power of dance to heal, inspire and unite.”

Derek and Erbert, 31, shared the news that they have a baby on the way on Instagram on July 22. Alongside a video of the couple embracing while Erbert revealed her baby bump and held a strip of ultrasound photos, the mom-to-be wrote, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small ♥️.”

Irwin — who is mom to daughter Grace, 4 — commented on the post, “Congratulations!!!!! Hugs from our entire family. ❤️.”

Derek’s sister Julianne Hough also shared her love — and excitement about being the baby’s aunt.

“Baby Hough is so wise to choose you two as their parents – they are already so loved and protected! I love you both more than anything – Aunt JuJu is ready for whatever you need 💕✨,” she wrote.

During DWTS‘ Dedication Night on Oct. 14, Derek appeared to almost let slip the baby’s sex.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

That night, celebrity contestant Jordan Chiles dedicated her dance to her father, Timothy Chiles. She and pro partner Ezra Sosa performed a Viennese waltz to the song “Daughters” by John Mayer, and Timothy appeared in the dance and spoke about the importance of father-daughter relationships.

Reacting to the moving performance, Derek said, “Watching you two dance really made me excited to have that own, my own moment with my…” He then stopped himself — briefly looking to the side — before concluding, “my own child.”

Last month, Derek opened up to PEOPLE about what he looks forward to most about becoming a dad.

“Going to Disneyland, or going on trips, and just seeing their wonderment, and their eyes, just wide open. I can’t wait to experience things for the first time, with my beautiful child,” he said.