Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has expressed his disappointment after being left out of the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing live tour, claiming he was considered 'too far down the pecking order' for a spot.
The Strictly Exit That Led to Tour Omission
Robshaw, who partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova on the BBC One show's 2025 series, was the third contestant to be eliminated. His journey ended in week four in October 2025 following a tense dance-off against EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon.
In that fateful episode, Robshaw and Bychkova performed a Salsa to Ricky Martin's 'Maria', but it wasn't enough to save them. While judges Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas voted to save Chris, the deciding vote from Craig Revel Horwood, alongside Motsi Mabuse, sent the rugby star home.
'Wasn't Selected' for the Arena Tour
With the televised series concluded, the Strictly live tour is set to kick off in Birmingham next week. However, Chris confirmed he will not be taking part. Speaking at the premiere of Cirque Du Soleil's 'OVO' at the Royal Albert Hall, he told The Mail's Richard Eden: "I wasn't selected unfortunately. I was too far down the pecking order, which is a shame, as it would have been great fun."
He added humorously that his dancing future now lies "back in the rugby world and maybe I'll dance in the corporate rooms with a glass of champagne."
Dancing Shoes Not Hung Up Just Yet
Despite the tour snub, Robshaw hasn't abandoned dance altogether. The star, who shares a one-year-old son, Hunter, with his wife, singer Camilla Kerslake, revealed that his family life still involves plenty of movement.
"We dance with our little boy because he also likes dancing," Chris explained. "Pretty much all the music I danced to on the show he loves, so we always have it on."
His wife Camilla had been fiercely protective during his time on the show, previously stating she was so furious with one judge's comments she "wanted to climb over the desk and give Craig what for."
Following his elimination last autumn, Robshaw thanked the show for an "amazing journey", an experience his departure reportedly saddened both fellow competitors and his family.
Representatives for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour have been approached for comment.
