Chris Robshaw dealt major blow ahead of BBC Strictly following last week’s dance-off

Strictly Come Dancing enters its third week of the series on Saturday, and after Thomas Skinner became the show’s first elimination last week, the celebrities are starting to feel the pressure.

Saturday’s show, Movie Week, will see the couples dancing to songs from classic films, and while excitement is building, former rugby player Chris Robshaw has been dealt a huge blow.

Partnered with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, Mr Robshaw, 39, found himself in the dance-off against Mr Skinner and Amy Dowden last week.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke unanimously decided to save the sportsman, meaning the duo could breathe a sigh of relief before getting stuck into Movie Week.

The Strictly couple scored 16 out of a possible 40 points for their Viennese Waltz last week, which they performed to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

While elements of the dance were critiqued by the judges, Ms Ballas described it as “better than last week”.

However, the latest odds suggest the pair could be at risk of going home this weekend.

While ITV’s Ross King remains favourite to be eliminated with odds of 11/10, Mr Robshaw isn’t far behind.

According to figures by Gambling.com, the rugby legend’s current odds with William Hill of heading home this week sit at just 5/4.

Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis is the 9/1 third favourite for a week-three exit, followed by EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, former Chelsea footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and drag queen La Voix, who are all 25/1.

Meanwhile, 33/1 outsiders Ellie Goldstein and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey look highly unlikely to be going anywhere on Sunday night.

Mr Robshaw took to social media after his save over the weekend with an emotional post, sharing: Hi Everyone, I’m going to try and put how I feel into words – which you guys know is not my strong point (cheers dyslexia).

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“The first thing I want to say is thank you. When I started this show I never thought I’d end up loving to dance.

“I can admit that I never thought that beyond being a dad to two amazing boys, that the dance floor would give me back by purpose.

“This show has made me feel like an athlete again. A feeling that I have missed.

“I don’t think I realised how much I missed it, until I joined the show.

“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.”

The candid statement continued: “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.

“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.”

Addressing dance partner, he concluded: “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.

“To my amazing wife @camillakerslake thank you for holding down the fort and being my biggest cheerleader, I couldn’t do it without you.”