“Rugby star Chris, 39, took to the Strictly dancefloor to perform a Samba during Saturday’s live show, finishing in second to last place on the leaderboard with just 14 points.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
Rugby star Chris, 39, took to the Strictly dancefloor with his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova to perform a Samba to EMF’s Unbelievable during Saturday’s live show, finishing in second to last place on the leaderboard with just 14 points.
Camilla then ignited a fresh feud by hitting out at ‘experienced dancers’ on the scandal-plagued show.
Speaking to Daily Mail, she said: ‘I hope my big mouth won’t get Chris in the bottom two. I was furious last week, a protective wife, and I wanted to climb over the desk and give Craig (Reven Horwood) what for.
‘I’m so protective of my husband. I know how hard he’s working, how much this means to him, and I reacted.’
The BBC show has faced complaints from fans that some celebrity contestants have an unfair advantage, as West End star Amber Davies and Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope have previous dance training.
Camilla appeared to make her feelings on the topic known when she replied to a comment posted by Love Island star Amber Gill, after she shared a sweet tribute to her husband following his first performance.
Posting snaps of Chris and Nadiya during their first dance, she captioned the post: ‘Proud forever.
‘Up against people with years of experience when you’ve never even done a 2 step, opening the whole season and starting with one of the hardest dances going.
‘They tested you HARD. You and @nadiyabychkova blew me, and the crowd away. Definitely some lessons for next week but you were absolutely astonishing.’
Camilla also made her feelings known on the infamous Strictly curse, referring to the numerous ex Strictly contestants who have struck up romances with their pro partners.
The singer insisted she has a great relationship with Nadiya and feels ‘very protective’ of her.
‘I really feel for Nadiya. It must be incredibly frustrating to always be asked about the curse. It detracts from her achievements as an athlete and the respect she deserves,’ she said.
‘I wish people spoke more about her amazing achievements, the fact she’s an amazing mum, being a five time world champion, rather than just this curse stuff. I adore her.’
Camilla added that her bond with husband Chris is stronger than ever as she watches him take on the challenge of the show.
‘Strictly has made me fall in love with Chris all over again. To watch him do something so outside his comfort zone has made me feel so proud,’ she said.
‘He might be built like a strong man but Chris is one of the sweetest and softest guys.
‘Last week knocked his confidence, he felt like he’d let us all down, he was down for a few days, but he’s come back fighting. Craig’s harsh scoring won’t stop him dancing his heart out.’
Classical singer Camilla, who has been married to Chris since 2018, is said to have already invited Nadiya over for dinner amid her plans to strike up a friendship.
The singer is said to be a girls’ girl and is keen to avoid any risk of herself and the professional dancer being pitted against each other.
Chris nearly turned down the opportunity to be on the show as the family were being stalked, but the pair explained that they were not going to let the situation stop them from enjoying the journey ahead.
She took to her social media to give her fans an update as she explained they have been ‘focusing on family’ and they won’t let recent events ‘define’ them.
In a statement on Instagram, Camilla 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.
‘Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts, for lifting us up and surrounding us with so much love. Bring on the sequins!’
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6:20pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex KingstonAge: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky PattisonAge: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan DennisAge: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis CopeAge: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
Amber Davies Age: 28
Profession: West End star
She says: ‘This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true.’