Chris Robshaw has been eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, making him the third celebrity to leave the BBC show. The 39-year-old former England rugby captain and his partner Nadiya Bychkova were defeated in the dance-off by Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon during Sunday’s results show.

Robshaw said he had loved the experience and that his partner had helped him gain confidence. “I’ve loved it, 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.”

Bychkova said she had enjoyed wonderful weeks with Robshaw and had seen the qualities that made him captain of the England rugby team. “To watch you go from a non-dancer and non-performer (to then) blossom, improve and develop.” She added that rehearsals on Friday showed his growing love of dance. The show also aired a trailer for Icons Week, which will feature the celebs lip-syncing to the musical icons they perform as next weekend. Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday 25 October at 6.20pm for Icons Week, with the results on Sunday 26 October at 7.15pm.