26/09/2025
NEWS: Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has said Strictly Come Dancing is “completely” out of his “comfort zone”.
The former rugby player, 39, who retired in 2022, has been paired with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova for the 23rd series of the hit BBC One programme.
Speaking ahead of the first live show this Saturday, Robshaw opened up about the challenges of retiring as a sportsperson and his decision to compete on Strictly.
He told the PA news agency: “I think a lot of sports people really struggle when they retire and it’s about that … adrenaline you miss.
“Stepping into the arena, performing, all that kind of stuff. You can’t really get that intensity.
“So, for me, doing something like this, which is completely out of my comfort zone, on a Saturday night, big crowds, it’s going to be nervy.
“But I think nerves are good as well.
“It focuses the mind, focuses the body and also, how often do you get the opportunity in life to learn a new skill with a top, world-class professional – world champion five times? I mean how often does that happen?
“We often get stuck in our ways, whatever that be, family, work, whatever it is, but to actually retrain – not saying I am suddenly becoming a professional dancer, just putting that out there, but never say never.”
The new series kicked off on Saturday night with its 15 celebrity contestants, including Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, taking the stage for the first time.
Robshaw’s feelings were echoed by Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, who is partnered with professional dancer and fellow Australian, Dianne Buswell, who won the series last year with comedian Chris McCausland.
Speaking about stepping into the Strictly world, Dennis said: “I am overwhelmed.
“This is so far removed from what I am used to – I am talking about within a television studio.
“But this, to enter a television studio and be part of this type of glamour and build-up and phenomenon is really weird. I mean really weird.
“I feel uncomfortable for the first time in my life in a television studio, I feel uncomfortable.”
Radio NewsHub