STRICTLY’S Nadiya Bychkova has revealed her “heartbreak” as her partner Chris Robshaw shared an emotional statement after their first dance-off.

Ukrainian dancer Nadiya, 36, who is partnered with former England rugby player Chris, 39, landed in the bottom two on Sunday.

Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova smiling, Bychkova wearing a glittery pink dress and Robshaw in a sheer white floral shirt.
Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova has revealed her “heartbreak” as her partner Chris Robshaw shares an emotional statement after their first dance-off
Credit: Instagram

Thomas Skinner, Amy Dowden, Tess Daly, Chris Robshaw, and Nadiya Bychkova on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
Ukrainian dancer Nadiya, 36, who is partnered with former England rugby player Chris, 39, landed in the bottom two on Sunday
Credit: PA
Tom Skinner and Amy Dowden went home on Sunday and Amy broke down in tears as she paid tribute to him for ‘bringing back her confidence’

This meant Chris and Nadiya made it through to next week after the judges chose to save them.

But Chris later revealed he was gutted to have let his partner down.

Chris took to Instagram and wrote: “I’m going to try and put how I feel into words – which you guys know is not my strong point (cheers dyslexia).

“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.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Nadiya Bychkova and Chris Robshaw dancing on Strictly Come Dancing

“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. 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.

Strictly’s Amy Dowden breaks down in tears as she pays tribute to Thomas Skinner for ‘bringing back her confidence’ after cancer battle
“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.

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

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“Thank you to everyone who voted. I hope you know how much I want to be on the show, and how much i am loving being here.

“The support has been amazing, and I am forever grateful to you all for all the messages and kind words.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening, and have a good start to the week. I will keep doing my best. Being on Movie week! #teamSeeQuins.”

Nadiya was quick to respond with a heartfelt message and wrote: “My dear Chris. It broke my heart a little reading this.

“You haven’t let me, or anyone else down. I know how proud your family are of you and I see everyday how much you are enjoying it.

“It has been a real pleasure to teach you and… WE ARE STILL HERE!

“Dancing is not easy, I have been doing it for 30 years and you have had 3 weeks!

“I’m liking the fact that your sporting competitive edge has kicked in – just don’t tackle me in training tomorrow.

“We start our next dance in the morning partner. Can’t wait.”

Among the many responses offering support to Chris, his wife commentated: “You’ve let absolutely *no one* down! @nadiyabychkova.

“The boys and I are SO proud of everything you’ve achieved.

“You couldn’t even clap in time 4 weeks ago. You’ve got this.”

Nadiya also posted a tribute to Chris after the pair were saved and wrote: “We are SO happy to make it through to next week and get the chance to dance again.

“Sorry to see Tom & Amy go. It’s never nice to be the first to leave.

“Chris / Fred got some really positive comments from the judges about his ‘potential’ and, for someone who never danced before, he is learning so much so quickly.

“It would be brilliant to get the time to help him develop into a dancer and I love how much he is enjoying himself.

“I also absolutely loved having my daughter, Mila, come down to training last week and so cool to have Chris’s kids join us too.

“I love teaching him and we have another week of hard work ahead. Thank you for the support and messages. It means the world to me and Fred.”

Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, with Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova, on a dance stage.
Chris and Nadiya are looking forward to next week’s movie week
Credit: PA

Nadiya Bychkova and Chris Robshaw dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Nadiya explained that she loves teaching Chris how to dance
Credit: PA