Strictly Come Dancing has said goodbye to its third couple of the 2025 series – and the result has left viewers shocked to their core.
Last weekend saw Ross King leave the competition. His exit came a week after Thomas Skinner’s Strictly journey came to an end.
Now Strictly fans have been forced to say goodbye to another pair… And it’s a result which has raised many an eyebrow with viewers at home.
Balvinder found herself in the bottom two for the second week running (Credit: BBC)
Strictly results – Chris and Nadiya exit the competition
Last night on Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec were placed at the very bottom of the leaderboard. The blow came after their cha cha cha failed to impress the judges, who handed them just 12 points.
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychokova were above them with 24 points. Meanwhile, Harry and Karen and Stefan and Dianne both finished up with 26 points.
But only one of the bottom four couples were in the dance-off, with Balvinder Sopal and partner Julian Caillon joining Chris and Nadiya in the fight for survival.
Ultimately, after both performed their routines again, it was rugby ace Chris Robshaw who was sent for an early bath, exiting the series in 13th place.
Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke saved Chris and Nadiya. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saved Balvinder and Julian. However, as Craig was the judge who held the deciding vote tonight, Balvinder was saved.
Host Tess Daly said her goodbyes ot Chris and Nadiya tonight (Credit: BBC)
Viewers react
However, viewers really didn’t think Chris deserved to go, commenting that La Voix’s dance was by far the worst of the night. Others were upset that EastEnders star Balvinder found herself in the bottom two for the second week running.
One said: “I don’t understand why Balvinder isn’t getting the support. She is incredible and her Paso was brilliant.” A second commented: “Bal was SENSATIONAL tonight. how the fudge is she in the bottom two, AGAIN?! especially over La Voix who was scored a 2! Absolutely ridiculous. I’m so glad Bal is through but she shouldn’t have been in the dance-off.”
A third commented: “I can’t believe Balvinder was in the dance off again, why? I voted for her, but she clearly doesn’t have the public support, which is a great shame.”
“Noo! Chris wasn’t great, but La Voix was dreadful!” said another.
Many thought La Voix should’ve exited the competition (Credit: BBC)
“Who on earth voted La Voix this week? Thoroughly deserved to be bottom and should have been bottom two and eliminated as both couples in dance off danced better this week,” another declared.
“Love La Voix but I was convinced she would be in the bottom two tonight. And it was warranted sadly. It was a car crash. I’m not sure people aren’t seeing in Balvinder – I think she’s what Strictly is about and seems lovely,” another said sadly.
Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Robshaw has revealed how his young family really feel about him taking part in the BBC show this year.
The rugby player has been partnered with pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova. And, while they found themselves in the dance-off a couple of weeks ago, last week they managed to avoid it – something he told ED! he was “thrilled” about.
Chris has been married to opera singer Camilla Kerslake since 2018, tying the knot after eight years of dating. The couple are parents to two sons – Wilding, four, and Hunter, one. And here, in an exclusive chat with ED!, Chris has revealed how his family are finding his Strictly come Dancing experience.
Chris’ family have enjoyed the Strictly experience (Credit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)
Chris’ family ‘love’ the journey
While the dreaded Strictly Curse brings about fears for relationships each and every year, Chris and his young family have adapted well to him appearing on the show. He even previously admitted he wasn’t “worried” about the curse affecting his marriage.
Now, speaking to ED!, Chris has revealed that he’s successfully managed to merge his family life and his Strictly experience. He explained: “The family and Strictly are worlds that have come together. It has been okay. And we are all loving this journey as a family.”
Not just that, but it seems his wife and kids have enjoyed spending some time with Nadiya. In fact, the trio have even had the chance to give dancing a try themselves.
Chris said: “The boys and Camilla have even had some dance lessons of their own from Nadiya. I have met some amazing new mates on the show too. They are a lovely bunch and I feel very lucky to be sharing the dance-floor with them all.”
Chris escaped the dance-off last weekend with his Thor-themed paso doble (Credit: BBC/Guy Levy)
Chris and his sons have Strictly parties
Both of Chris’ sons are still very young. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get involved in the Strictly fun. And it seems that is exactly what Chris is ensuring happens when he spends his Sundays at home.
As for what his older son, Wilding, thinks of his time on the show, Chris admitted that he is “proud” of him.
He said: “He is so proud of me.” Chris added: “He loves that I get to bring home the props so we can have our Strictly Sunday morning parties together to celebrate. The boys are my world, and to share this experience with them, it means everything to me.”
What do you think of Chris Robshaw on Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. We want to know your thoughts!
Strictly Come Dancing kicked out its first star of 2025 tonight (October 5), but who left the show?
Last night saw all 15 celebrities take to the Strictly floor. Ellie Goldstein performed a gorgeous waltz, Lewis Cope came under fire for “showing off” and Motsi Mabuse faced backlash over her comments towards Karen Carney.
The real drama, though, came tonight, with two stars finding themselves in the first dance-off of the season.
So what happened on Strictly tonight? Read on and we’ll tell you!
Thomas and Amy and Nadiya and Chris were in the dance-off tonight (Credit: BBC)
Who left Strictly Come Dancing tonight?
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden found themselves dancing that Bonkers salsa again as they danced-off against Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova.
Chris was also forced to perform his Viennese waltz again for the judges. And, ultimately, all four judges chose to save the rugby player, with The Apprentice star being given his marching orders.
Tess spoke to Thomas and Amy after they became the first couple eliminated (Credit: BBC)
Viewers react
The majority of Strictly fans seemed to think the judges made the right decision. However, many said they were upset for Amy Dowden, who is a huge favourite among viewers.
“The correct result although I’m surprised that he went straight into the dance off and I thought they’d have been more popular. So happy that Ross [King] is safe I knew that dance would save him,” said one.
Thomas Skinner was consoled by the Strictly pro dancers (Credit: BBC)
“Never warmed to Tom and it has nothing to do with the negative press he’s been receiving I just don’t like him at all. They should have given Amy a better partner for her comeback show. That’s sad,” said another.
“I feel for Amy. Not a fan of Tom but they were stitched up with that dance – everything about it was set up for failure,” a third commented.
“Feel desperately sorry for Amy, an absolutely lovely person who deserved more than to be saddled with the person they got,” said another.
“Poor Amy. But hopefully we’ll see her again if she needs to take over from Dianne [Buswell] to be Stefan Dennis’ partner,” said another, touching on fears pregnant Dianne may be forced to exit the competition early.
Strictly star Chris Robshaw has quelled concerns about the show’s infamous curse making him its latest victim.
The former England rugby captain, 39, is set to perform a samba with Nadiya Bychkova, 36, in tonight’s (Saturday, September 27) first live show of the series.
Nadiya and Chris will dance a samba tonight (Credit: BBC)
Chris Robshaw ‘not worried’ about Strictly curse
The ‘Strictly Curse’ has claimed many a victim over the year, including the likes of Katya Jones and Seann Walsh, Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, and Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev.
However, Chris is confident he won’t be another one of its victims after being paired up with Ukrainian dancer Nadiya.
If people think there’s something going on between us, we must be doing something right.
Speaking to The Sun this week, Chris said: “I’m not worried about the Strictly Curse. If people think there’s something going on between us, we must be doing something right.
Chris on dancing with Nadiya
“It means we’ve managed to create a sense of chemistry for the show, and we are performing well,” he then continued.
“Nadiya and I are a team, both totally focused on the dancing and giving it our all. Plus, Camilla and I are solid; she’s incredibly supportive, and we have a lot of trust in our marriage. Family is everything to me,” he then added.
He added that he’s “hit the jackpot” being paired with Nadiya, as she’s a world champion dancer and “top athlete”.
Nadiya and Chris may be first to go out (Credit: BBC)
Chris tipped for early exit
However, unfortunately for Chris, his time on the show could be short and sweet. That’s according to former pro dancer Brendan Cole, who claimed Chris needs a more “jovial and silly” dancer than Nadiya, and they could be first out.
“Sadly, one of the weaker pairings could be Chris Robshaw with Nadiya Bychkova. He seems to have the right attitude going into the show – he looks like he genuinely wants to be there, which is lovely, because a lot of sportspeople don’t,” he said on behalf of Sky Vegas.
“But I worry it’s going to come across as a bit heavy and cumbersome, without a huge amount of television personality,” he then continued.
“I’m sure he’s not shy – I’ve met him a few times, and he’s a nice guy with good chat. But on this show, you need that extra spark, and I’m not convinced it will come across. On paper, he and Nadiya look great together – tall, blonde, a strong couple visually. But he needs someone like Dianne [Buswell], who could really bring out his personality,” he then said.
Brendan questions whether Nadiya is “the right match for him”, stating that he’s not criticising her at all. Instead, he believes Chris needs “someone a bit more jovial or silly”.
Chris Robshaw suffered a major blow during his last TV appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, so he’s hoping his Strictly Come Dancing journey is drama-free.
Joining 14 other star-studded household names, the Strictly contestant has his hopes set on the all-important Glitterball Trophy.
The rugby player has got a dazzling CV when it comes to sport, but can he throw some shapes on the dance floor? Here’s everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing hopeful, Chris Robshaw, including his career highlights and who he is married to.
Chris Robshaw is swapping the rugby pitch for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Strictly Come Dancing: Who is Chris Robshaw? How old is he?
Chris Robshaw was born on June 4 1986, which makes him 39 years old. Chris is the middle child, with an older and younger brothers. But sadly, they all suffered a family tragedy in their childhood. At eight years old, Chris and his siblings were forced to cope with the death of their father, Alan. His dad died from a heart attack aged just 40.
Chris’ mother, Patricia, raised the boys alone. Prior to his dad’s death, Chris had started playing rugby. He played for Warlingham RFC in Surrey at the age of seven and attended Cumnor House School, a prep school in south Croydon. The budding sportsman later moved to Millfield Preparatory School and on to Millfield public school, both in Somerset, where he was first team captain for rugby.
Chris Robshaw’s professional rugby career
Chris launched his rugby career once he’d left school. He made his debut with Harlequins RFC in London. Chris stayed with the club for almost all of his professional career. He was also the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice.
Chris was also selected to represent his country on the pitch. He played for England from January 2012 until December 2015. He earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016.
In the last year of his professional career, Chris played for the San Diego Legion in the US for a season. His position of choice is in the back row of the scrum. This is usually called the flanker position and is a key part of any squad.
Is Chris Robshaw neurodivergent?
Chris is neurodivergent. He has dyslexia and struggled with it at school, according to his mother Patricia. But rugby gave him an escape from the tough times.
Patricia previously told the Telegraph: “After his father died, he needed something to put his exuberant energy into. He was finding it quite difficult at school. His dyslexia was becoming quite apparent then, and he needed to vent his frustration.”
Chris’ mum said he was “quite angry” as a child and found it “difficult” to express his feelings sometimes. She added: “He could go out and have a good old bash about on the rugby field quite legitimately.”
Chris is married to soprano singer Camilla Kerslake (Credit: Cover Images)
Is Chris Robshaw married? Who is his famous wife?
Chris Robshaw married soprano singer Camilla Kerslake in June 2018. They officially married on June 26 at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London. The couple then jetted to France for a lavish second wedding. Their reception was held at Le Preverger, a stunning chateau in Cote D’Azur.
Camilla is famed for her classical/ pop crossover songs. She was the first signing to Take That star Gary Barlow’s record label and released her debut self-titled album on November 23, 2009. Camilla’s song, How Can I Keep from Singing?, featured in a 2009 Waitrose Christmas advert.
Camilla also performed How Can I Keep From Singing? on ITV’s Popstar to Operastar as a guest performer, with Gary Barlow accompanying her on piano.
Does Chris Robshaw have children?
Chris and Camilla announced on February 8, 2021, they were expecting their first child. The couple welcomed their son, Wilding, that May. Last year, the couple revealed they were having a second child. Chris and Camilla welcomed son Hunter in August 2024.
It wasn’t the most straightforward birth and two ambulances and six paramedics were called for delivery. Camilla had planned a home birth, but her midwives got stuck in traffic.
Camilla told OK! magazine: “At one point things were getting intense.” She added: “It was amazing – dramatic in the middle – but a good story for when he’s older. And I’m even more grateful for the NHS than I was before.”
Chris Robshaw’s stalker ‘headache’
Ahead of taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, Chris and his wife Camilla have had a lot on their plate. He recently opened up about a “tough situation” and “ongoing headache” they have with an alleged stalker.
The case is still under investigation by the police, but Chris told The Sunday Times last week that he met the stalker at two work events in 2024. It has been alleged the woman has been spreading false rumours about Chris and Camilla.
Chris told the newspaper ahead of his Strictly debut: “This won’t define us and instead, we’ll be focusing on our family and the exciting journey. What should’ve been a time for celebrating our new baby was overshadowed as we were dealing with the horror of this.”
But he added: “Strictly has brought us some joy. It’s nice to hear the family laughing again, even if it is at my expense.”
Chris says Strictly has brought ‘joy’ to his and wife Camilla’s life (Credit: Cover Images)
What happened to Chris Robshaw on Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins?
Strictly Come Dancing isn’t Chris’ first time on reality TV. Last year, he appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – and it came to a very dramatic end.
Chris suffered a painful medical emergency during filming in 2014 and was forced to withdraw from the programme immediately. He dislocated his shoulder during a boxing challenge with Love Island star, Ovie Soko.
Within 12 hours of the incident, Chris was put on a flight home. He has since had surgery to repair the damage.
Chris later said: “I’d popped my shoulder out the ligament was loose so it becomes like a catch which keeps opening. So they reattached the ligament to keep it in place. I tried to throw a punch and basically hyperextended my shoulder and it popped out.”
Let’s hope he doesn’t injure himself in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom!
Chris Robshaw was badly injured during Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins (Credit: Channel 4)
Life after retirement
Chris has now pivoted his life away from the sporting pitch after officially retiring from rugby in 2022. He said his body had “told him” it was finally time to hang up his boots.
Since retiring, he has turned to a white-collar career. Chris briefly worked part-time for Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm that specialises in sport. He was employed as the company’s business development executive.
Chris is the co-owner of an events company and is board member of wedding clothing company called Dress 2 Kill Ltd. He also works as a pundit for broadcasting firm, Premier Sports and co-owns a chain of coffee shops in Hampshire.
Chris is a board member and chair for the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation. The charity supports children from less privileged backgrounds to access sport and music.
Chris has joined Strictly Come Dancing (Credit: BBC)
Chris Robshaw on Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Chris’ spot in Strictly Come Dancing the line-up was announced on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 in August. The sportsman admits he’s nervous about his latest venture.
“This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets,” he has said. “I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class.”
Hinting at a potential advantage in the ballroom, however, he added: “Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.”
