Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw nearly withdrew from the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after enduring a frightening harassment campaign by a female stalker.
The 39-year-old sporting legend faced violent threats and malicious false allegations that almost led him to reject the BBC's offer to join the dance competition.
Friends of the retired rugby star revealed he had been subjected to what they described as "disgusting threats" that created an "awful" situation for his family.
The harassment campaign reportedly began following two brief encounters at work events last year, with the abuse starting approximately six months after their initial meeting.
Chris Robshaw has joined Strictly
| PAThe severity of the stalker's behaviour prompted Robshaw to contact police authorities as the threats escalated and false claims were spread about him.
The woman responsible for the harassment now appears on the National Police Wanted List and has fled the United Kingdom, according to sources close to the situation.
Police are actively seeking her whereabouts after she left the country.
The stalker's campaign involved making violent threats against Robshaw and spreading damaging false allegations about both him and his wife, opera singer Camilla Kerslake.
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She also targeted other individuals Robshaw worked with, according to friends of the couple.
The harassment included posting the family's home address online and making "really nasty threats" against Robshaw and his family members.
Sources indicated the woman contacted companies working with the couple to spread fabricated stories about them.
Police arrested the woman in December and released her with a caution, but the harassment reportedly continued afterwards, prompting her departure from the country.
Law enforcement officials informed the couple they were not the stalker's only targets, with the woman having "form" for similar behaviour against others.
"Chris and Camilla are just the latest victims in a string of lives she's tried to destroy," a source told The Sun.
The harassment particularly affected Camilla, who had never met the stalker but became a target nonetheless. The woman discovered Camilla's audition for a major television programme and contacted company representatives to spread false and damaging claims about her.
Friends described the couple as "normally so strong" but said the ordeal pushed them "into utter devastation". The stalker's behaviour left them "looking over their shoulders" and created significant concern for their safety and that of their two children.
Chris Robshaw is switching the rugby pitch for the ballroom
|PA
Despite the traumatic circumstances, Robshaw ultimately accepted the Strictly invitation after a heartfelt plea from his son Wilding. "He told his dad, 'I want mummy to laugh at your dancing'," a friend revealed to The Sun.
This touching request from his child proved the decisive factor in Robshaw's decision to participate. "He only went ahead with Strictly for his son Wilding," the source confirmed, adding that the former rugby captain "bit the bullet and went for it" following his son's appeal.
The decision marked a significant shift for Robshaw, who had been on the verge of declining the opportunity due to the ongoing harassment. His choice to prioritise his family's happiness, particularly bringing laughter to his wife during a difficult period, ultimately outweighed his concerns about the stalker situation.
Robshaw maintained transparency with BBC producers from the outset about his situation, with sources describing the broadcaster as "amazing" in their response. The corporation has implemented safety measures to protect him throughout the competition.
"They are supporting him and are aware of everything that is going on," a friend told The Sun. The BBC has worked closely with Robshaw to ensure his security during filming and rehearsals.
A spokesperson for Robshaw told the Sun: "This is an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment at this time.
"Chris will not be commenting further."
Despite the ordeal, sources say Robshaw remains determined to excel in the competition. "He wants to crack on with the competition and give it his best shot," a friend revealed, adding that the former England captain is "doing this for his kids and just wants to make them proud."