The Strictly curse has no mercy when it comes to wrecking relationships, but rugby star Chris Robshaw is welcoming rumours of an affair ahead of his first live show with stunning Nadiya Bychkova
Rugby ace Chris Robshaw has sensationally admitted that he wants viewers to think his marriage will fall victim to the ‘Strictly curse’. The sportsman, who has been partnered with stunning Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, is happily married to opera singer Camilla Kerslake.
The couple got engaged in 2012, before finally tying the knot in Provence, France. Since they got married seven years ago, the couple have gone on to become parents, welcoming two sons.
Wilding was born in May 2021 and is now four. The couple’s youngest boy, Hunter, arrived in August 2024, making him 13 months old.
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But although the curse of Strictly is known to strike indiscriminately, Chris isn’t worried in the slightest that his marriage is at risk. He has now claimed he would love it if his chemistry with Nadiya sparked rumours of an affair.
In an interview with the Sun, he explained: “Surely if people think there’s something going on between us, we must be doing something right.”
He believes that if their routines appear steamy enough, it would mean he and Nadiya have ‘managed to create a sense of chemistry for the show’. He added: “Plus, Camilla and I are solid, she’s incredibly supportive, and we have a lot of trust in our marriage. Family is everything to me.”
But he has made an effort to include Camilla in rehearsals, with a video shared on Instagram on Sunday showing Nadiya holding his baby son, Hunter. Nadiya was seen giving Camilla a one-to-one training session, as well as a group rehearsal with the whole family.
Camilla has shown her full support for her husband’s Strictly debut, taking to Instagram to share how the family has overcome a harrowing stalking ordeal. Thanking the press for ‘handling a very difficult situation with such sensitivity’, she stated they wouldn’t be allowing it to ‘define’ them.
She wrote: “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. Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts, for lifting us up and surrounding us with so much love. Bring on the sequins!”
It seems that thankfully, the famous curse will be kept at bay in this instance, but there is definitive evidence that the intense training and close quarters of the show has left a trail of ruined relationships in its wake. Famous examples include comedian Seann Walsh, who was snapped kissing his partner Katya Jones in 2018, despite both being involved with others at the time.
At the time, Katya was married to fellow Strictly professional Neil Jones. Another instance saw Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton confirm their romance following the series, though they denied suggestions of any romantic connection whilst the show was filming.
Ben Cohen’s 11-year marriage to Abby ended after his appearance on Strictly with Kristina Rihanoff, with whom he now shares a daughter. Nevertheless, he also refuted claims that his marriage collapsed due to his connection with Kristina.
Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have revealed that they’re expecting their first child together, after meeting on Strictly back in 2018. Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev, who were matched on the programme in 2013, are also now raising two children after her marriage ended shortly after her Strictly stint.
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