Former rugby union star Chris Robshaw has become the latest celebrity to be eliminated from series 23 of ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ meaning he lasted until week 4 and finished in 13th place.
On the Sunday, October 19 results show, Robshaw was voted into the dance-off with ‘Eastenders’ actress Balvinder Sopal.
It meant the two stars had to perform their dances from the previous night once more, with their fates coming down to the judges’ votes — and it couldn’t have been a more closely contested spectacle.
Chris Robshaw’s Salsa Wasn’t Quite Spicy Enough
Robshaw and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova performed their salsa again to Ricky Martin’s ‘Maria,” while Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon did their paso doble to ‘Diablo Rojo’ by Rodrigo y Gabriela.
The judges said both couples upped their game from the previous night, and the votes came out at 2-2, with Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke voting for Robshaw, and Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood giving their vote to Sopal.
Sadly for Robshaw, it was Revel Horwood’s turn to cast the deciding vote, which meant the former England international captain and flanker was given his marching orders.
On the Saturday show, it was actually drag queen La Voix who finished bottom of the leaderboard, earning a disappointing score of 14 out of 40 for her cha-cha-cha to Pat Benatar’s ‘Hit Me with Your Best Shot.’ Robshaw finished second-bottom with a score of 24, while Sopal finished sixth-bottom with a score of 28. It is, perhaps, therefore fair that she remains on the show, though Robshaw will undoubtedly feel aggrieved, given La Voix’s poor performance on Saturday.
Robshaw’s ‘World-Class Qualities’ Weren’t Enough
The video of Robshaw’s departure from the show was uploaded to the official ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Instagram page.
In it, the former rugby star said, “I’ve loved it. I’ve had an amazing partner. But for me, coming onto this journey, I had no confidence, to be told I had world-class qualities on the dance floor. Even though we’re going home that is amazing to hear. So thank you very much, it’s give me such confidence.”
He continued, “And so, to my partner as well, Nadiya, I’m sorry, but this is… it’s been an amazing journey. She’s been a brilliant teacher. I’ve developed so much and it’s been a, yeah, a great ride. So, thank you.”
Bychkova replied, “Well, Chris, I had a few wonderful weeks with you and I saw all the qualities why you were the captain of your country. Just to watch you for a non-dancer, non-performer, blossom and improve and develop.”
She went on, “And on Friday night when we were rehearsing, you told me that you can’t wait to perform on Saturday. And that’s the best confirmation that you’ve got that feeling. you got that love for dance and it means the world. And I know sometimes on this show you win by getting a Glitterball, but this year I feel that I won just getting you as my partner. So, thank you so much.”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Fans and Peers ‘So Sad’ to See Robshaw Leave
The replies on the Instagram video were almost universally positive regarding Robshaw, with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans and stars alike commenting on his exit.
Fellow 2025 contestant Vicky Pattison wrote, “WHAT A GUY 😍 so sad to see you leave guys 🥹🥹🥹🥹.”
Another contestant from this year, Amber Davies, commented, “❤️❤️❤️❤️ massive legend!!!!! X”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Jowita Przystał had her say, writing, “You’ve done so well ❤️ both of you!”
Other professionals who chimed in included Amy Dowden, who said, “You will both be missed x,” Alexis Warr, who wrote, “Absolutely amazing!🔥❤️ Class,” and Johannes Radebe, who wrote, “So proud of the both of you. 🤍🤍”
One fan wrote, “😭😭😭 We are heartbroken for Chris and Nadiya. Those lifts were indeed world-class. What was Craig thinking?!”
Another upset viewer said, “Sorry mate. The worst dancer got voted through this week. Sadly the public don’t see how some improve.. you are a rugby player who was so out of your comfort zone. Be proud mate. 🙌”
Similarly, someone else commented, “Even Craig said that Bal made mistakes yet he saved her. Poor Nadiya yet again losing out in the dance off when they were better.”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ continues next Saturday, October 25, at 6:20 p.m. GMT on BBC One.
