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”.
Pro dancers Kai and Nadiya shocked fans last June when they decided to call time on their relationship. The pair met on the glitzy BBC show and romance blossomed behind the scenes for Nadiya and Kai in 2022.
However, following their shock split last year, it was claimed in April that Kai was dating someone new. And now, Nadiya has definitely declared that she is “in love”…
On Tuesday (August 19), Nadiya got herself all dressed up to attend the premiere of a new comedy-drama movie, Caught Stealing.
Looking sensational, the mum-of-one slipped into a strapless silver gown that oozed style.
For the A-list event, Nadiya wore her famous blonde locks in a slicked-back style and finished off her look with a swipe of bold red lipstick.
The dancer shared a photo of her outfit on Instagram, and as expected, fans went wild over her red carpet look, with one person writing: “Omg you look amazing.” Another agreed: “Absolutely gorgeous.” A third also gushed: “Elegant and gorgeous.”
She revealed she was ‘in love’ (Credit: InstagramStory)
Nadiya’s ‘love confession’
And it turns out Strictly star Nadiya was also “in love” with the fancy frock.
Taking to her Instagram Story, Nadiya shared a video of her in the car on the way to the premiere. She captioned the video: “I’m in love with this dress @theatelierlondon.
“Love being back to London a On my way to #CaughtStealingMovie € caughtstealingmovie @sonypicturesuk @concordemedialondon.”
Nadiya and Kai split last year (Credit: ITV)
Why did Kai and Nadia split?
Nadiya and Kai reportedly split owing to their respective schedules. The Mirror claimed they “drifted apart due to the pressures of touring together and frequently being in each other’s space”.
In October last year, Nadiya opened up about her split from Kai – revealing they are “not friends”.
“We work together but we are not friends and that’s OK,” she told the Mirror.
Nadiya added: “One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing because I’m a professional.”
Strictly 2024 is back for its 20th year and already the nation’s favourite dance show has gone out with a bang.
Tonight’s episode (September 14) revealed who the 15 celebrities are paired with and what dances they will take on next week. However, a couple of fan-favourite professional dancers have not been teamed with a celebrity partner.
Despite making it to Blackpool with Angela Rippon last year, Kai Waddington has not been assigned a celebrity. Sadly, the same goes for Lauren Oakley and Carlos Gu.
That said, Lauren still admitted it feels “really special“ to be a part of Strictly’s 20th anniversary. “I’ve watched the show growing up. I watched the first episode, so I can’t believe I’m now part of it, especially in such a monumental year. It’s the best show on telly, so I’m not surprised it’s lasted 20 years, and I just feel really lucky to be part of it. It’s amazing,“ she said.
Dianne Buswell will be teaching Chris McCausland to dance (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Comedian Chris McCausland has been paired with Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, who made it to last year’s finals with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.
For their first dance, Chris and Dianne will perform the Cha Cha to The Beatles’ iconic Twist and Shout.
Joking to hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about their partnership, Chris quipped: “She is absolutely over the moon having me because she [Dianne] really wants November off. You’ve got a holiday booked, haven’t you?!”
Jamie Borthwick is Michelle Tsiakkas’ first-ever celebrity partner (Credit: BBC)
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
After winning last year’s Christmas special, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick signed himself up for the 2024 series. He has been paired with Michelle Tsiakkas.
After joining the Strictly family in 2022, this is the first time Michelle has been assigned a partner. “It’s a dream come true to finally be able to dance on that Strictly dance floor with a partner and what better partner than Jamie to dance with. I’m so happy!” she said.
During week one, the pair will perform a Viennese Waltz to Benson Boone’s recent chart-topper, Beautiful Things.
Asked about his time on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, Jamie said: “That’s what swung me hook, line and sinker. I don’t quite know how I managed to win that, but this is a whole different ball game! I don’t think I can blag it for a whole 13 weeks.”
Amy Dowden is back for 2024 and she’s partnered with JB Gill (Credit: BBC)
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Like Jamie, JLS star JB Gill also competed on a Christmas special and took home the glitterball trophy. Clearly, the Beat Again hitmaker wants the full experience and has been assigned Amy Dowden as his partner.
The Welsh dancer returns to the show after having to step back last year due to her cancer diagnosis. “I’m delighted, it just feels like my first year all over again. I just want JBto have the best time and fall in love with dancing,” Amy said.
Their first dance will be a Waltz to Leo Sayer’s When I Need You.
Johannes Radebe is partnered with Gladiators star Montell Douglas (Credit: BBC)
For their first dance, Montell and Johannes will perform a Foxtrot to Dinah Washington’s Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.
“It feels like a full circle moment, not just for me, but for everybody that’s ever been involved since its inception, from 2004 until now. I think everybody should just be proud that it’s still going. It’s just amazing,” he said about the upcoming series.
Asked if she felt pleased to be partnered with Johannes, Montell said: “How can you not be, I don’t think there is a person on this earth who doesn’t want to be partnered with JoJo, I’m over the moon!”
They then joked that their team name would be MoJo!
Luba Mushtuk has been tasked with teaching Nick Knowles to dance (Credit: BBC)
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
After gracing our screens for several decades, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles is giving Strictly a go. To help teach him his moves, he has been paired with Luba Mushtuk.
Asked if he thought theirs was a good match by the hosts, TV favourite Nick said: “Yes, absolutely. I wanted someone who’d be patient. She’s a world-class dancer, so how can it possibly go wrong? Although, it’s a bit like taking an F1 world champion and putting them in a beaten-up old builder’s van to race…. We’ll see how it goes. I have had a bit of body work done, though – a spray paint, literally!”
Their first dancing during week one will be a Jive to Starship’s We Built This City.
Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer is partnered with Paul Merson (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Former footballer Paul Merson will be taught how to dance by Karen Hauer. “I just want him to enjoy himself,” said Karen. “I want everyone to enjoy themselves because this is one of the greatest experiences – we’re going to have the most fun!”
Keeping with the theme of footie, Paul and Karen will perform an American Smooth to Fat Les’ anthem Vindaloo.
Jowita Przystal and partner Pete Wicks have already sparked romance rumours (Credit: BBC)
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
After not having much luck with Olympian Jody Cundy last year, maybe Jowita Przystal will return to the top of the leaderboard with her 2024 partner Pete Wicks. They’ve already sparked romance rumours!
Asked if he was pleased to be partnered with Jowita by Claudia, Pete said: “100%. The little pocket rocket? I’ve got this in the bag now, I’ve changed my mind – I’m going to win it.”
However, after being told their first performance will be a Paso Doble to The Prodigy’s Breathe, Pete looked confused and said: “What’s a Paso Doble?”
Gorka Marquez returns for 2024 and is partnered with Dr Punan Krishnan (Credit: BBC)
Dr Punam Krishnan and Gorka Marquez
Strictly favourite Gorka Marquez is teamed up with TV doctor Punam Krishnan.
As he returns to the show once again, Gorka revealed it’s a “privilege” to be a part of the 20th anniversary.
“It’s the dreams of any professional dancer to be on the biggest TV show on telly but also to be celebrating 20 years doesn’t happen very often. It’s incredible to be celebrating a show that has been running successfully for 20 years with so many memorable moments. To be part of something that has touched so many lives is incredible. I’m very excited to celebrate it,” he said.
Dr Punam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience.”
Their first performance will be a Cha Cha to pop princess Kylie Minogue’s Love At First Sight.
Tasha Ghouri is partnered with returning pro Aljaz Skorjanec (Credit: BBC)
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Model, author and dancer Tasha Ghouri might have previous experience, but she’s about to learn a whole lot more now that she’s partnered with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
The pair will show off their moves to Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in the style of a Cha Cha.
Speaking about her pro partner, Tasha quipped: “I am absolutely ecstatic! He’s so fun – chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I’m so excited. He’s already teaching me little moves, and I’m trying to keep up, but I’ve got a very good one here.”
Olympian Tom Dean has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova (Credit: BBC)
“I’m super happy, he’s not just a swimmer..he’s a winner!” Nadiya quipped of the gold medal-winning swimmer.
For their first dance, they will perform a Tango to Harry Styles’ Golden.
Neil Jones has a celebrity partner this year in Toyah Willcox (Credit: BBC)
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
1980s icon Toyah Willcox has been paired with Neil Jones. It will be Neil’s first celebrity pairing since 2021.
“I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long,” he said about his time on the show. Toyah said of her partner: “I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!”
Toyah and Neil will also perform a Tango to Madonna’s Ray of Light.
Sam Quek will be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin (Credit: BBC)
The Ukrainian-Italian professional just missed out on the glitterball trophy with actor Layton Williams last year. So could 2024 be his year?
Sam and Nikita’s first dance will be a Foxtrot to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes.
Olympian Sam told Tess: “I’m so nervous. I’ve never felt nerves like it. It’s the unknown. Look at me, this isn’t me. I didn’t recognise myself in the mirror!”
Sarah Hadland has been paired with reigning champ Vito Coppola (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
After winning the show with former Corrie star Ellie Leach last year, Vito Coppola has been paired with another actor, Sarah Hadland.
Asked if he thinks he’ll lift the glitter ball again this year, Vito said: “Honestly you know I love to enjoy and live in the moment and the present. Sarah and me have the same energy. I see Sarah as sparkling water, bubbly. We are going to live this journey as a bubble!”
For their first dance, Sarah and Vito will perform a Quickstep to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5.
Shayne Ward is with Nancy Xu for Strictly 2024 (Credit: BBC)
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
After finishing last in 2023, hopefully, Nancy Xu will have more luck with former X Factor winner and actor Shayne Ward.
“I think Nancy is a phenomenal dancer and I feel so blessed that she’s with me on this journey,” said Shayne.
Katya Jones will be dancing with Wynne Jones this time around (Credit: BBC)
Strictly 2024: Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans has been paired with Katya Jones.
“I didn’t have a clue who I was going to get,” Wynne said.”Obviously, I’m older so I didn’t know who would take me on as it were, then we went to the venue and in walks the cockney Russian!”
Claudia asked Katya what her plans for Wynne were, she said: “I think no plan is brilliant. This man was born to win!”
For the first dance next weekend, they perform a Samba to Tom Jones’ Help Yourself.
