Strictly's Chris Robshaw 'laughed at on the dance floor' as he makes emotional admission

Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova joined Janette Manrara on the Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two sofa tonight, to chat about being in the first dance off on Saturday night.

After the public vote, hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced that rugby player Chris Robshaw and ex The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner had landed in the bottom two.

The judges unanimously voted to save Chris and Nadiya Bychkova after the pair performed their Viennese Waltz to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' Die With A Smile once again, as Thomas and Amy were sent home.

Tonight, the pair spoke about how they felt after being in the dance off, as Chris said that the competition had "given him purpose" after retiring from rugby in 2022 after 18 years, after suffering multiple dislocated shoulders.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star dies as Shirley Ballas speaks out

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Pete Wicks gushes over Jowita Przystal after kissing on stage

Chris said it was an "emotional experience" with Nadiya adding that she thought the pair had performed "really well" on the night.

Chris had recently posted that Strictly had given him "so much purpose," as host Janette asked him to clarify exactly what he meant when he said that.

Emotionally opening up, Chris said: "It's reignited that competitive energy and spirit to get back out there. I think that when any athlete retires, they feel a little bit lost for a long time. Their identity, their purpose, it does disappear a bit.

"So to have that focus to go to training everyday with Nadiya, who pushes me, she challenges me, tells me which foot is left and right and all sorts, but we're improving. And that's the main thing.

"From a person who, if I'm honest, probably got laughed at a little bit when I was on the dance floor, only from friends, friendly banter. From now, going out and performing from week to week has been amazing so far. So yes, it is only baby steps but it's steps in the right direction!"

After the dance off, Chris emotionally revealed that he felt like he let his partner down, writing: "I know I am not the best dancer, but I hope you can see some potential in me, and I’m worthy of your vote. I want to improve and to continue on this journey for as long as I can. I don’t want to let @nadiyabychkova down. I don’t want to let you guys down. I promise you I am trying my best. I’ve even started to waltz in my dreams, it’s on my mind a lot," he wrote in a lengthy post.

"I’m under no illusion I’m a great dancer, but I promise you I am trying my best. I was gutted at the prospect of leaving last night, and whilst it’s never nice being bottom two, it’s made me want this even more.

"Perhaps the athlete in me is competitive, but more than that, I am having such a good time. To Nadiya, thank you. Thank you for your patience. I hope I haven’t let you down. You are world class, and I want to do you proud."

The pair will be taking part in Movie Week this Saturday, with Chris looking forward to dressing up as a super hero. The couple will be dancing the Paso Doble to Sweet Child Of Mine and are hoping to impress the judges and viewers!

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.