who is Chris Robshaw?

Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw is once again stepping onto the Strictly Come Dancing stage, determined to keep his rhythm alive in the ballroom as he fights for a spot in week five of the competition.

The 39-year-old sportsman narrowly escaped elimination earlier in the series after finding himself in the bottom two, but a surge of public votes helped him secure another week under the spotlight. This weekend, he’s set to take on the samba to Ricky Martin’s Maria—a high-energy performance that will test both his stamina and style.

Throughout his Strictly journey, Robshaw has been cheered on by two strong women: his professional dance partner Nadiya Bychkova, and his wife, renowned classical singer Camilla Kerslake, who has proudly supported him every step of the way since his debut.

Camilla, who married the former Harlequins star in 2018, has been vocal about her admiration—and, at times, frustration—over her husband’s treatment by the judges. In a candid moment, she admitted that she nearly confronted judge Craig Revel Horwood after he gave Robshaw what she considered an unfairly low score.

“I was furious last week,” she confessed in a recent interview. “I wanted to climb over the desk and defend Chris. I know how hard he’s working and how much this means to him. I’m a protective wife—and I reacted.”

This week, however, Camilla was unable to cheer from the audience as she took center stage herself, performing a powerful rendition of Jerusalem during the Rugby Super League Grand Final at Wembley Stadium. While she captivated thousands of fans at the historic event, her husband was simultaneously preparing to deliver a Thor-inspired rumba on Strictly.

“Perfect timing,” Robshaw commented proudly on her pre-match rehearsal clip posted online—a reminder that mutual respect and admiration define their relationship.

The couple’s love story began in 2011 at a charity gala where Camilla was performing. Robshaw wasted no time asking for her number, and despite her manager’s warnings about dating a celebrity, she trusted her instincts. “He was kind, humble, and real,” she once recalled. “I knew within months that he was the one.”

Now parents to two children, the couple’s shared balance of discipline and affection continues to shine through. And for Robshaw, Strictly has offered something unexpected—a sense of renewal.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the ex-rugby skipper admitted that dancing has rekindled a spark he thought he’d lost after retiring from professional sport. “This show has made me feel like an athlete again,” he wrote. “I know I’m not the best dancer, but I’m giving it everything. I don’t want to let Nadiya or the fans down.”

With his growing confidence and an army of supporters behind him, Robshaw is hoping the samba will mark a turning point in his Strictly story—a blend of strength, rhythm, and the same grit that once made him England’s leader on the rugby field.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Chris Robshaw’s dance partner on Strictly 2025?
He is paired with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

Q2: What song will Chris Robshaw perform to this weekend?
He will dance the samba to Ricky Martin’s Maria.

Q3: Why was Camilla Kerslake absent from the latest Strictly show?
Camilla was performing at the Rugby Super League Grand Final at Wembley, singing Jerusalem before the match.

Q4: How long have Chris Robshaw and Camilla Kerslake been married?
The couple married in 2018 and have two children together.

Q5: What inspired Chris Robshaw to join Strictly Come Dancing?
He said the show helped him rediscover his athletic spirit and brought back a sense of purpose after retiring from rugby.