Strictly Come Dancing star set to be axed as Diane Buswell accused of 'cover up'

The competition is hotting up on Strictly Come Dancing and one celebrity has emerged as the favourite to be eliminated next

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Chris Robshaw looks set to battle to stay in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, with the former England rugby captain tipped to become the next celebrity to be sent home from the competition.

The ex-Harlequins star hasn't had the smoothest of starts on the BBC show, finding himself in the first dance-off of the series after receiving low scores in the opening two weeks. However, after being saved by the judges, public support last weekend saw him avoid another dance-off and go straight through to the next show.

Robshaw will return to the dancefloor on Saturday night, performing a salsa to Ricky Martin's 'Maria' with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova, in a bid to avoid elimination.

However, as the competition heats up, bookmakers believe this could be the end of the line for former flanker Robshaw, who heads into this weekend as 4/9 favourite to become the third famous face to be eliminated.

His main competition in that respect is Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, who is hot on his heels with odds of 3/1 to be the next one out.

The actor had to pull out of last week's show due to illness, and while he and his professional partner Dianne Buswell will return this weekend, they have become the subject of accusations from fans during their time away.

Last year's Strictly champion Buswell is currently pregnant, and while it was Dennis who was unwell, some viewers have speculated that their withdrawal last weekend was in fact a "cover up" for the professional dancer, who they have claimed may be struggling to balance her pregnancy with the demands of the show.

However, the Australian star has dismissed these theories on social media, as she wrote on Instagram: "I just have to clarify as I have had lots of people messaging me thinking this is a cover up for me not being able to dance?".

"Firstly, we wouldn't lie, especially about somebody being sick. And secondly I am fine, yes I'm pregnant but I'm also very capable and feeling really good. Thirdly, there are things in place if any pro were to get sick or injured."

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It comes after Robshaw shared an emotional message with his fans on Instagram after finding himself in the first dance off of the series in week two.

"Hi everyone," he penned. "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. 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," Robshaw added.

"I don't want to let [Nadiya] 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."