Chris Robshaw, the former rugby union player, is navigating a challenging week of training as he prepares for his fourth live performance on Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, Robshaw aims to secure the coveted glitterball trophy amidst a competitive lineup that includes personalities such as Vicky Pattison and Stefan Dennis, who is returning after a medical withdrawal.
In a segment on the show’s companion program, It Takes Two, aired on October 17, 2023, Robshaw candidly described his training experience as “tough.” He and Bychkova are set to perform a Salsa to “Maria” by Ricky Martin, incorporating challenging lifts and routines that require a different skill set than their previous performances.
Bychkova expressed confidence in Robshaw’s abilities, stating she has “never felt as safe” during lifts as she does with him, highlighting his height and strength. “He gives that calm feeling; he thinks about it very carefully,” she said. The duo’s training this week has focused not only on choreography but also on the connection needed for lifts. “It was a fun week, a full-on week,” she noted, while Robshaw affirmed the intensity, admitting, “No, I haven’t, it was tough!”
In a broader reflection, Robshaw shared how competing on Strictly Come Dancing has reignited his sense of purpose following his retirement from professional rugby. Speaking to Mail Online, he noted, “The public will decide my fate. They are the ultimate judge, so it’ll be down to them to decide if they want me to stay on the show.” Expressing his determination, he added, “I really want to stay in; I’m not ready to give up hope that I can get through.”
Robshaw elaborated on the personal impact of the show, stating, “The show has made me find myself again,” and emphasized how it has restored some of the confidence he felt he had lost. “Obviously, being a Dad gives you the feeling of purpose, but beyond my boys, I lost myself a bit, especially after retirement,” he said. “Doing Strictly has given me back the something that’s been missing; it’s been the missing piece of the puzzle.”
As the competition heats up, audiences are eager to see how Robshaw and Bychkova will perform on Saturday’s live show, which airs at 18:30 on BBC One and iPlayer. With each performance, Robshaw not only seeks to impress the judges but also aims to connect with the public, hoping to secure their votes as he continues his journey on the dance floor.