The first Strictly Come Dancing elimination of the season saw The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner eliminated from Strictly, leaving fans surprised after a tense dance-off against former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw.
Thomas Skinner’s Strictly Journey Ends After Dance-Off
On Sunday night, the BBC show revealed its first results, with Skinner and professional dancer Amy Dowden competing against Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova in the dreaded dance-off. The judges ultimately chose to save Robshaw, making Skinner the first celebrity to leave the competition.
Skinner, 34, reflected warmly on his short time in the ballroom. “Thank you, Amy — sorry we didn’t do too good because you’re a different class,” he said. “I’ve never danced before, but it’s been great fun. I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve loved every moment.”
Fans have debated the reason for Thomas Skinner elimination, with some suggesting the scoring was harsh compared to other contestants. The duo’s salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden received only 13 points from the judges, placing them last on the leaderboard.
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Amy Dowden Praises Skinner’s Spirit and Support
Dowden, who returned to the show after battling breast cancer, praised her dance partner: “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me, and we’ve laughed so much.”
The professional dancer became emotional as she thanked Skinner for restoring her confidence: “The last three years have been quite difficult for me. I lost confidence as a dancer, but walking into the room with you and your laugh brought me back. Thank you.”
Dowden’s resilience and return to Strictly following her illness have been widely celebrated by viewers and fellow professionals alike.
Strictly Dance-Off Winner and What’s Next
Robshaw and Bychkova’s Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars earned them the victory, making them the Strictly dance-off winner of the week. The remaining 14 couples now prepare for Movie Week, one of the most anticipated themed episodes of the series.
Despite leaving early, Skinner’s sense of humour and enthusiasm made a lasting impression. Known for his appearances on The Apprentice, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Celebrity MasterChef, Skinner also runs several businesses and is a regular on TalkSport Radio.
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This story was first reported by BBC News. Read the full article here.
