Strictly Star’s Wife Challenges Controversial Decision Amid Series Backlash
Chris Robshaw’s wife, Camilla Kerslake, has publicly criticized the inclusion of experienced dancers in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. Her remarks come amid significant backlash surrounding the show’s casting choices, particularly concerning its competitive dynamics.
Controversy Over Contestants’ Experience
Robshaw, a former rugby player, is paired with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova for the competition. After the first live show, he found himself ranked low on the leaderboard. His performance took place following the surprise inclusion of Amber Davies, a previous Love Island winner, who stepped in for Dani Dyer, who withdrew due to a fractured ankle.
Davies’s casting raised eyebrows as she possesses substantial dance experience and training in musical theatre. Fellow contestant Amber Gill expressed concerns regarding the fairness of competing alongside dancers with this level of expertise. Kerslake echoed this sentiment, stating on social media, “The experience differences are absolutely wild. Definitely.”
Social Media Reactions
In a supportive post, Kerslake praised Robshaw’s effort, remarking on the challenges posed by the competition and the difficulty of his initial dance. She acknowledged the tough experience of competing against seasoned performers.
Contestants Respond to Criticism
Davies addressed criticisms of her participation on the companion show, It Takes Two. She articulated the distinction between ballroom dancing and her West End experiences, emphasizing the unique technical demands of each style. Another competitor, Lewis Cope, who has experience from the West End production of Billy Elliot, also faced scrutiny.
Robshaw himself acknowledged the daunting nature of the challenge ahead. He mentioned that participating in Strictly is a significant departure from his rugby career, joking about blending his athletic skills with dance moves.
Leaderboard Update and Viewer Reactions
In the opening weekend of the series, former sports star Karen Carney topped the leaderboard. The competition points will carry over into the next show, with the first elimination scheduled for Sunday, October 5.
Viewer reactions during the live show included concern for contestant Ellie Goldstein, who appeared visibly upset following her performance. While many praised her dancing, some viewers expressed worry that she had been overwhelmed. Goldstein later clarified that her emotional moment was not due to distress.
- Contestant: Chris Robshaw
- Partner: Nadiya Bychkova
- Replacement Dancer: Amber Davies
- Concerns Raised: Fairness of experienced dancers
- Upcoming Event: First elimination on October 5
As the series progresses, the conversation surrounding experience and fairness within the competition continues to spark interest among fans and participants alike.
