A Strictly Come Dancing star’s wife has criticised ‘experienced dancers’ taking part in the show.
Chris Robshaw, 39, and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova found themselves second to last with just 14 points on Saturday’s first live show after performing the Samba.
The former England rugby star narrowly avoided being in last place on the leaderboard, with entertainment reporter Ross King earning just 10 points.
However, following the announcement that West End performer Amber Davies – who has previous dance experience – was replacing the injured Dani Dyer, Chris’s wife Camilla Kerslake has slammed the decision as being ‘unfair’.
Former Love Islander Amber Gill said on a post on Instagram: ‘Unpopular opinion: I think having people with so much dance experience is unfair.’
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Camilla then quickly responded, writing: ‘The experience differences are absolutely wild. Definitely.’
However, @lesley_drury argued that the show shouldn’t be criticised for casting celebrities who have past experience, insisting: ‘It’s never gonna be a level playing field and every contestant knows when they sign up [that] there’s always been people with dance experience.’
Despite the criticism Amber has received alongside Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who also has former dance experience, neither Strictly contestants have Latin or Ballroom training.
Strictly veteran Oti Mabuse has also defended Amber as the BBC shut down reports of behind-the-scenes ‘fury’.
But it appears the competition Chris is facing on the show is not his only concern after the former sportsman addressed the so-called ‘Strictly curse’ earlier this week.
From the likes of Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell to Rachel Riley or Pasha Kovalev, there are numerous instances of celebrities who are already in relationships finding romance with fellow participants or their professional dance partner.
But according to Chris, he thinks the rumours are the ultimate compliment.
‘Surely if people think there’s something going on between us, we must be doing something right,’ he joked to The Sun.
‘Nadiya and I are a team, both totally focused on the dancing and giving it our all week by week. She’s a world champion, a top athlete, and I massively respect her. It’s just down to me to deliver the rest — so no pressure.
‘We are a team, and we want to head in the same direction — and that is hopefully not in the bottom two.’
The former rugby player married opera singer Camilla, 37, in 2018 and they share two children.
Chris added: ‘Camilla and I are solid, she’s incredibly supportive, and we have a lot of trust in our marriage.’
Former Love Island star Amber, who received 27 points in her first show for a Waltz, is dancing with Nikita Kuzmin.
But amazingly, it was former Lioness turned sports journalist Karen Carney, 38, who emerged as the leader on the night.
Karen, alongside her professional dance partner Carlos Gu scored 31 points with a Jive, putting her at the top of the leaderboard.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday at 6.55pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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