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Thomas Skinner becomes first elimination in divisive series of Strictly Come Dancing Businessman and reality television personality Thomas Skinner has become the first celebrity contestant to be eliminated from the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, ending what many commentators described as a short but particularly controversial run on the popular BBC ballroom show. The former Apprentice star and his professional partner, Amy Dowden, failed to secure enough support from the public vote and the judging panel following their second live performance on Saturday night. Their brief two-week stint in the competition concluded on Sunday's results show, bringing to a close a period marked by intense social media debate over the show's casting choices. Skinner and Dowden, who performed a Salsa to Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden’s hit "Bonkers," found themselves in the dance-off against former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and his partner, Nadiya Bychkova, who performed a Viennese Waltz. Following the repeated dances, the judges’ decision was unanimous, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke all choosing to save Robshaw, citing a higher technical standard and stronger potential. Head Judge Shirley Ballas confirmed she would have voted in line with her colleagues, ensuring the result was definitive. Speaking about his exit during the results show, Skinner, 34, maintained his characteristic good humour, reflecting on his physical limitations and commitment to the process. "I've loved it. I've never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy's amazing," he told host Tess Daly. "I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had great fun.
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Thank you, Amy—sorry that we haven’t done too good, ’cause you’re a different class. " Later, reflecting on his struggles on the spin-off show It Takes Two, Skinner self-deprecatingly conceded to moving "like a fridge" on the dancefloor. The elimination holds additional poignancy for his partner, Amy Dowden, who was making her full return to the competition after a recent cancer diagnosis and treatment. In an emotional tribute to Skinner, Dowden praised him for aiding her personal recovery. "Tom, you have truly helped bring me back, not just to the show, but to myself," she said. "We’ve laughed so much, and we’ve worked so hard. I'm leaving with a heart full of gratitude and pride. I've made a new friend for life and I wouldn't change a thing. " The ‘Culture Wars’ Casting Debate Skinner’s participation drew significant attention even before he took to the ballroom. Known to millions for his entrepreneurial spirit on The Apprentice and his popular online persona—often involving large breakfasts and the catchphrase "Bosh"—his casting was viewed by some analysts as an attempt by the BBC to broaden the political spectrum represented in the celebrity line-up.
His public affinity for right-leaning politics, including his support for Donald Trump and a widely reported recent meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance, sparked immediate debate on social media platforms upon his announcement. Fans and critics of the show were divided, with many arguing that his persona created a “tonal mismatch” when placed alongside contestants who championed progressive causes, inclusivity, and diverse representation. "Skinner’s signing felt designed to counter accusations of liberal bias," noted entertainment correspondent Amelia Jones in a recent broadcast. "However, it created a situation where the show itself became part of a larger, external culture war debate, rather than simply offering pure escapism. " During the show's launch, the potential for a "protest vote" to keep him in the competition was widely discussed, similar to the viewership patterns observed in other reality shows featuring polarising public figures. However, the combined judges’ scores—a joint lowest of 29 points over two weeks—ultimately proved too large a hurdle for the public to overcome, even with dedicated support. A Technical Challenge Despite the political backdrop, the judges’ criticisms largely focused on the clear lack of technical foundation in his dancing. In his first week, his scores were heavily impacted by his unrefined technique, which continued into Week Two. Judge Craig Revel Horwood was particularly unforgiving in his critique of the Salsa, comparing the performance to a "weightlifting competition in Skegness," highlighting the power and stomping rather than the required fluidity of the Latin dance. Skinner received a score of just two from Revel Horwood for his final dance.
The elimination now allows the series to shift focus entirely back to the competitive nature of the dancing. His departure follows the pattern of previous early exits for celebrities who, despite having significant name recognition or cultural profile, lack the fundamental skills to progress in the competition. Skinner confirmed he would be returning immediately to his business interests. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning, he posted a picture of himself in a van, stating: "Back in the van for me this morning, it's another busy one. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Back to reality. Bosh. " The remaining 14 couples will now prepare for the highly anticipated Movie Week, where they will perform routines inspired by iconic films, marking the start of the next phase of the competition. While Skinner's brief presence brought both glitter and controversy to the ballroom, the focus returns to the dancefloor as the celebrities vie for the coveted Glitterball trophy. Tom Skinner announced as Strictly contestant | Jeremy Vine details the initial reaction and discussion surrounding Thomas Skinner's surprising inclusion in the competition line-up.
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