Chris Robshaw's stalker threatened to lie about him to social services

Chris Robshaw has been harrassed by a 'violent' female stalker who has threatened to spread lies about him and his wife Camilla Kerslake to social services.

The former rugby player, 39, was one of the 15 celebrities to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing last week, but it has since emerged he almost turned down the opportunity due to the situation.

BBC bosses are now on high alert and have reassured Chris that 'his safety, and his family's safety, comes first.'

While the identity of the stalker has not been revealed, it is known that the former Harlequins captain briefly met her twice at work events last year.

Daily Mail can also reveal the woman is accused of making several violent threats to other individuals, including bomb threats.

A source said: 'This isn't just someone making empty threats. According to other victims, this individual has allegedly set fires, made bomb threats, and has even threatened to blow up children at their schools.

'She has talked about physical attacks, and even threatened to spread lies about Chris and Camilla to social services. One of the most terrifying things has been the suggestion that her lies could get their kids could be taken away - it's left them shaken to the core.

'Of course Chris could sue her for defamation and for the money he's potentially lost in earnings, but the family's view is that this person is obviously very unwell. What they want most is for her to get proper help, rather than to chase her through the courts.'

Chris and opera singer Camilla have been married since 2018 and are parents to Wilding, five, and Hunter, 18 months.

While the ordeal has undoubtedly been hugely stressful for the family, it has also brought the couple closer together.

'Friends say Chris and Camilla are tackling this as a team. They've been each other's rock, determined not to let this woman dictate their lives,' the source added.

'The so-called 'Strictly curse' is the last thing on their minds. If anything, this has brought them closer than ever. Chris has seen the toll this has taken on his family, and he just wants to protect Camilla from further stress - including any sort of Strictly affair rumours.'

Strictly bosses have rallied behind Chris to ensure he is supported throughout his time in the competition.

'Friends say Chris and Camilla are tackling this as a team. They've been each other's rock, determined not to let this woman dictate their lives,' the source said.

'Strictly bosses have been nothing but supportive. They've gone above and beyond to reassure Chris that his safety, and his family's safety, comes first. They've made it clear they've got his back. It's been like a little family backstage,' they said.

'Chris is throwing himself into training, but you can tell production are keeping a close eye out for him. There's a real sense of everyone pulling together.'

'Chris has said he doesn't want this stalker to rob him of the experience. He's determined to focus on the dancing and not let fear take the spotlight.'

Six months after meeting the woman, Chris was then said to have been targeted by the woman, who proceeded to threaten violence and spread false allegations about him and his colleagues, after which he contacted the police.

It is reported the woman, who is now on the National Police Wanted List, has fled the country and is being pursued by the police.

Chris has been forced to invest in top-of-the-range security to keep his family safe from the woman's campaign of harassment.

The situation has also taken its toll on Camilla who was 'left scared to leave the house on her own with the kids'.

Instead of asking for presents for her birthday, it can be revealed she requested security upgrades to their Surrey mansion, which last year she gave OK magazine a guided tour of.

A spokesperson for Chris said: 'This is an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment at this time. Chris will not be commenting further.'

This year's Strictly cast includes Love Island star Dani Dyer, Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, Lioness Karen Carney, Lorraine Showbiz correspondent Ross King and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who made history when she became the first model with Down syndrome to cover British Vogue magazine.

Rugby player Chris, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, YouTuber George Clarke, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, The Apprentice star Tom Skinner and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will also be taking to the Strictly ballroom next month.

The BBC show has endured its fair share of controversy in recent months, with it alleged earlier this month that BBC had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.

One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.

Wynne Evans, 53, who competed on the show in 2024, was also accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event, which led to him resigning from the Strictly tour.

In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, 34; being 'unnecessary; abusive; cruel and mean' during their rehearsals which she said caused her to quit midway through the season.

And in the same year; former Love Island contestant; 28; was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima; 31; who admitted to kicking the documentary maker; resulting in his axing.

STRICTLY LINEUP 2025