Strictly Come Dancing 2025 third celeb axed as he issues three-word statement

Chris Robshaw has been named as the latest celeb to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 series. He and his professional dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova, were made to leave the competition following a dance off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.

The dreaded dance off saw Chris and Nadiya perform a Salsa to Maria by Ricky Martin, while Balvinder and Julian performed their Paso Doble to Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela. The judges were split, with Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke voting to save Chris and Nadiya. But it was down to this week's head judge, Craig Revel Horwood, deciding to save Balvinder and Julian that meant the former rugby player would be leaving the BBC competition. Realising that his time on the ballroom show was coming to an end, Chris delivered an emotional apology to his professional dance partner.

With a tear in his eye, he said: "I've loved it." He continued: "I've had an amazing partner. For me, coming onto this journey, I had no confidence. To be told I had world class qualities on the dancefloor today, even though we have to go home, that's amazing to hear so thank you very much. It's given me such confidence.

"To my partner Nadiya, I'm sorry. But it's been an amazing journey, she's been a brilliant teacher, I've developed so much, and it's been a great ride - so thank you."

When asked by Tess what she'd like to say to Chris, Nadiya said: "Chris, I have had a few wonderful weeks with you and I saw all the qualities that made you the captain of your country.

"To watch you [go] from a non-dancer and non-performer [to then] blossom, improve and develop. On Friday night when we were here rehearsing, you told me that you couldn't wait to perform on Saturday and that's the best confirmation that you have got that feeling and that love for dance - and that means the world.

"Sometimes on this show you win by getting a glitterball, but I feel this year I won just getting you as my partner. So, thank you so much."

The remaining twelve couples will take to the dancefloor for Icons Week, when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, October 25 at 6.20pm, with the results show on Sunday, October 26 at 7.15pm. Both of this weekend's episodes are available to watch now via BBC iPlayer.