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The first elimination of the season occurred on Sunday night, as two couples faced the dreaded dance-off on Strictly.
Ultimately, former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner was the first to depart the show, following the judges’ decision to save former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw.
When asked by co-host Tess Daly about his experience, Skinner, 34, expressed his gratitude to his professional dance partner, Amy Dowden.
“Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, ’cause you’re a different class,” he remarked.
Skinner previously made headlines for an early exit from a press conference prior to the series launch, an incident for which he later issued an apology.
Despite his brief tenure, the social media personality affirmed that he had “loved” his time on Strictly.
“I’ve never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing. It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well but I’ve had fun!”
On Sunday’s show, both couples performed their routines from Saturday evening once more.
Skinner and Dowden reprised their salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden, while Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova performed their Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
Following the performances, the judges rendered their verdicts, with Robshaw and Bychkova securing the majority vote, leading to Skinner and Dowden’s departure.
Dowden also praised her dance partner, stating: “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much.”
Dowden has openly discussed her desire to return to the dance floor after being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.
She returned to Strictly in 2024 but had to withdraw midway through the series due to an injury.
Speaking on Saturday night, she said winning the glitterball would have been “amazing,” but added: “What I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything.”
Addressing Skinner, she continued: “The last three years as you know have been quite difficult for me. I lost all confidence as a dancer – but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you.”
During Saturday night’s live show, Skinner – wearing a tight, sparkly vest top – frequently lifted Dowden during their routine, leading judge Craig Revel Horwood to joke that it resembled a weightlifting competition.
They received 13 points, placing them at the bottom of this week’s leaderboard.
Scores from weeks one and two were combined with the public vote to determine the couples facing the dance-off.
Skinner first appeared on television in The Apprentice in 2019 and has since been featured on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain, Faking It, and Celebrity Masterchef.
He is also known for his social media presence, manages several businesses, including a gym, and regularly appears on TalkSport Radio.
The remaining 14 couples will return to the dance floor next week for Movie Week.
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