Chris Robshaw Eyes Celebrity Traitors After Strictly Success
Rugby legend Chris Robshaw has set his sights on another major reality television appearance following his popular stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year. The former England captain, 39, has expressed keen interest in joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors, though he admits one crucial aspect of the show gives him pause.
Following in a Friend's Footsteps
In an exclusive conversation, Robshaw revealed he would gladly follow the path of his good friend and fellow rugby player Joe Marler, 35, who starred in the celebrity edition of the hit BBC series last year. "I think I'd be like Alan Carr – I don't know if I could lie well enough, but he did alright, to be fair. He was brilliant," Robshaw confessed, referencing the comedian's performance on the show.
"I haven't watched the civilian series, but Joe Marler was amazing. I've known him since he was 18; we go way back," he added, highlighting the personal connection that makes the prospect particularly appealing.
Reflecting on the Strictly Experience
Robshaw's reality television journey began last year when he took on what he describes as "one of his biggest challenges yet" by competing on Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, 36. Though eliminated in week four, his experience was overwhelmingly positive.
"I really enjoyed it – more than I thought I would," Robshaw shared. "I'm not a dancer, I'm not a particularly musical man, and it was very much outside my comfort zone. But I had an incredible partner in Nadia, who helped me massively, and we had great fun."
He described the entire Strictly experience as "like being in a bubble" and emphasized that he "can't speak highly enough of it."
Family Reactions and Support
When Robshaw first revealed his decision to join Strictly to his wife Camilla, the reaction was unexpectedly humorous. "My wife very much started laughing when we first found out, because she knows about my dance moves," he admitted. "But also, she was my biggest supporter. She was like, 'Look, it's a great opportunity. It's amazing, so go and do it, we'll support you.'"
The couple's two young sons, Wilding, four, and Hunter, one, were equally enthusiastic. Robshaw noted that participating in the show provided a valuable lesson for his children: "For my boys as well, it's just showing them, 'You know what? You've got to step out of your comfort zone every now and then and really challenge yourself.'"
Thoughts on Strictly's Future
Robshaw also shared his perspective on the upcoming changes to Strictly Come Dancing, following the announcement that longtime hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly would be departing after two decades. "It's such a shame - two decades is a long time and they'll be hard to replace," he remarked.
He praised the outgoing hosts for their ability to "make people feel relaxed, especially when you're absolutely terrified on the dance floor," and acknowledged that "whoever takes it on has big shoes to fill." When asked about potential replacements, Robshaw suggested It Takes Two presenter Jeanette Manrara as a strong candidate, while humorously adding, "Maybe I'm on it - put a fiver on those odds!"
A Positive Shift for Rugby
Beyond personal enjoyment, Robshaw sees his and his colleagues' forays into entertainment as beneficial for the sport of rugby itself. "It's great to see characters like Joe on shows like that, me doing Strictly, players doing podcasts – it shows rugby is getting back into a really good place," he observed, suggesting that such appearances help broaden the sport's appeal and public perception.
As Robshaw contemplates his next potential television venture, his journey from the rugby pitch to the dance floor – and possibly to the deceptive world of Celebrity Traitors – continues to demonstrate his willingness to embrace new challenges and entertain audiences in unexpected ways.
