Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Robshaw reportedly came close to pulling out of the new series after being subjected to a stalking campaign.
The former England rugby captain, who is married to opera singer Camilla Kerslake, was allegedly harassed by a woman he had briefly encountered at two separate work events in 2024.
Six months later, she allegedly began threatening him with violence and spreading false claims about him and his colleagues, prompting the 39-year-old to contact police.
The woman is now reported to be on the National Police Wanted List after leaving the country, with law enforcement attempting to track her down, according to The Sun.
A source told the outlet: “Chris almost turned down Strictly because of what this woman has been putting him and his family through. She’s made some disgusting threats. It has been awful for them.
“Chris and Camilla have been told by the police they’re not alone. This woman has form for what she’s been doing to them and has done it to other people too.”
Despite the distressing circumstances, Robshaw decided to go ahead with his Strictly appearance, reportedly motivated by his four-year-old son Wilding, who told him he wanted “mummy to laugh at your dancing.”
Robshaw was reportedly upfront with Strictly bosses about the ordeal and the BBC has been “amazing” in offering support to him and his family.
The Sun also reported that the couple are the “latest victims” in a string of lives the woman allegedly tried to “destroy.”
The couple, who married in 2018 and share two sons, were reportedly first targeted after Robshaw crossed paths with the woman at an event in July last year.
Insiders alleged she went on to make false claims about the pair, post their home address online and even contact companies linked to them in a bid to spread what were described as “farcical” lies.
The source added that it has been an “absolutely terrible” experience for the family and that Robshaw “has no idea” why he was singled out, stressing he had “barely spoken” to the woman and was “never alone” with her.
Kerslake has reportedly been drawn into the ordeal after the woman at the centre of the harassment campaign allegedly contacted a company where she had auditioned.
The source to continued: “It’s deeply frightening that no one has been able to stop her, she’s fled the country, and has been clever to avoid arrest. They’ve been advised by their case officer that the minute this woman steps back onto UK soil, she will be arrested.”
According to the report, the woman was arrested in December and released with a caution but is said to have continued her campaign before leaving the UK.
Despite the distress, Robshaw is understood to be determined to “crack on” with Strictly, with insiders saying he simply wants to make his children “proud.”
The BBC is said to be working closely with the former rugby star to support him and ensure his safety during the competition.
A representative for Robshaw told Metro: “This is an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment at this time. Chris will not be commenting further.”
The Standard has contacted Chris Robshaw’s rep for comment.
