Camilla Kerslake has publicly acknowledged concerns that her candid remarks might negatively impact her husband, professional rugby player Chris Robshaw, in the ongoing competition Strictly Come Dancing.
Mr. Robshaw, aged 39, participated in the most recent live broadcast, performing a Samba with his professional partner, Nadiya Bychkova, to the track Unbelievable by EMF. The pair concluded the evening in the penultimate position on the judges’ leaderboard, having received a score of 14 points.
Subsequently, Ms. Kerslake issued commentary critical of contestants with prior dance experience, a matter that has generated public discourse concerning the perceived fairness of the competition. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she remarked: “I hope my big mouth won’t get Chris in the bottom two. I was furious last week, acting as a protective wife, and I wanted to confront Craig Revel Horwood. I know how hard Chris is working, and how much this means to him, and I reacted accordingly.”
The competition has recently attracted complaints from viewers alleging that certain participants possess an undue advantage, including West End actress Amber Davies and Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, both of whom have received formal dance training. Ms. Kerslake appeared to affirm these concerns in her public response to Love Island alumna Amber Gill, who had posted a tribute in support of Mr. Robshaw’s first performance. In her statement, Ms. Kerslake expressed pride in her husband’s effort despite his lack of prior experience, observing that he was required to open the series with a particularly challenging dance.
Additionally, Ms. Kerslake addressed speculation surrounding the so-called “Strictly curse”—a colloquial reference to romantic relationships that have historically developed between contestants and professional dance partners. She dismissed any such concerns, affirming her amicable relationship with Ms. Bychkova and stating: “I really feel for Nadiya. It must be incredibly frustrating to always be asked about the curse. It detracts from her achievements as an athlete and the respect she deserves. I wish people focused more on her accomplishments, her role as a mother, and her status as a five-time world champion.#newsafro_