Thomas Skinner, the former star of The Apprentice, has become the first celebrity to be voted off the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing, leaving viewers "traumatised" by his latest performance and prompting a heartfelt farewell from his professional dance partner, Amy Dowden. The 34-year-old social media personality was eliminated after a tense dance-off against former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova during Sunday’s results show on BBC One.
The Dance-Off that Sealed His Fate
Skinner and Dowden performed their salsa once again, dancing to the energetic "Bonkers" by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. Despite their passionate effort, the judges favored Robshaw and Bychkova’s graceful Viennese waltz to "Die With a Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, saving them from elimination. Head judge Shirley Ballas alongside Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all voted to keep Robshaw’s team in, leading to Skinner’s exit as Motsi Mabuse’s casting vote was not required.
The dance-off was particularly challenging for Skinner, who openly admitted he had no prior dancing experience and was overwhelmed by the pressure. Despite this, he expressed his gratitude to Amy Dowden, calling her “exceptional” and apologizing for not being able to perform at her level. “I’ve loved it... it’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well but I’ve had fun!” he said during the farewell interview.
A Performance that Left Viewers ‘Traumatised’
Fans of the show took to social media in droves expressing shock and sympathy, many saying Skinner’s performance left them “traumatised.” Some viewers felt that his awkwardness and lack of dance skills made the performances cringe-worthy, yet others admired his determination and positive attitude despite the criticism. His salsa was humorously compared to a weightlifting competition by judge Craig Revel Horwood, who pointed out the excessive power in his movements.
Skinner’s journey on the show was marked by highs and lows, including controversies ahead of the season. Prior to the show, he faced backlash for publicly supporting US President Donald Trump and faced serious personal scrutiny following admissions about infidelity shortly after his wedding. Despite these distractions, Skinner committed to the show and his partnership with Dowden, earning appreciation for his perseverance.
Amy Dowden’s Emotional Tribute
Amy Dowden, Skinner’s professional partner, was visibly upset by their early exit, describing Skinner as “a friend for life.” She shared how much she enjoyed working with him, praising his genuine personality and efforts on the dance floor. “He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much, we’ve worked so hard, and a Glitterball would have been amazing,” she said with evident emotion.
Dowden also thanked Skinner for “bringing her back,” a reference to her return to dance and recovery from health struggles, showing the deep bond the two developed despite the short time they danced together. Their chemistry and mutual respect provided some of the season’s most heartfelt moments so far.
Moving Forward After a Brief but Impactful Journey
While Skinner’s journey on Strictly was brief, it was memorable for his honesty, humility, and effort to rise to the occasion. For a novice dancer who admitted he was “definitely not a great dancer,” he brought a level of enthusiasm that resonated with many fans. His exit sets the stage for the remaining 14 couples to step up their game, with the next episode promising a Movie Week special where dancers will bring the magic of cinema to the ballroom.
Skinner has expressed no regrets about his time on the show and continues to focus on personal growth and public engagement, hoping to turn the experience into a positive chapter of his life.
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