Strictly Come Dancing’s contestant Chris Robshaw is looking forward to appearing on the show despite a hellish stalking ordeal, his wife has said.
The England rugby star was reportedly the subject of a harassment campaign by a woman he met briefly at two separate work events in 2024.
The abuse is said to have begun six months after the pair first met. Robshaw, 39, contacted police after she threatened him with violence and spread false allegations about Robshaw and his colleagues.
The woman is being sought by law enforcement after reportedly having left the country.
The Sun reported that the woman in question is known to police for similar behaviour in the past.
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Robshaw’s wife Camilla Kerslake, 37, who he married in 2018, has now said the couple are ‘navigating a lot behind the scenes’, but shared her excitement that he will be competing in Strictly.
In a statement posted to her Instagram, the opera singer wrote: ‘Hi loves, I just want to say the biggest thank you for all your kind words and messages this week.
‘Chris and I are so grateful to the press for handling a very difficult situation with such sensitivity.
‘It’s meant we can focus on keeping our little family safe. We’ve truly been overwhelmed by the kindness shown.
‘From here, we’re choosing to move forward. This won’t define us and instead, we’ll be focusing on our family and the exciting journey ahead with Strictly!
‘I don’t know about you, but I’m very ready for the sequins and spray tans to take centre stage. Let’s hope it’s more snake hips and not hip replacement for our boy!
‘If you see us goofing around on socials, know that while we’re navigating a lot behind the scenes, we also want to share the joy, laughter and magic of SCD with you.
‘Strictly is our happy place right now and we’re embracing that fully. Bring on the sequins!’
It comes after the couple were said to have splashed out on top-notch security to ensure their safety. An insider told the Daily Mail Kerslake was left ‘scared to leave the house on her own with the kids’.
Robshaw, who captained the England national rugby union team from January 2012 until December 2015, is understood to have nearly turned down the offer to join Strictly.
‘Chris almost turned down Strictly because of what this woman has been putting him and his family through,’ a source told The Sun.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One from September 20.
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