Thomas Skinner fans have rallied around the reality TV star after he and Amy Dowden became the first couple on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing to be sent home.
Following an underwhelming Salsa that landed them at the bottom of the Week Two leaderboard, Mr Skinner found himself in the dreaded dance-off against rugby star Chris Robshaw.
Mr Robshaw and his pro partner, Nadiya Bychkova, were unanimously saved by the judges, meaning Mr Skinner and Ms Dowden were eliminated, which prompted emotional reactions from them both.
When asked by Tess Daly about his experience on the show, Mr Skinner replied: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing.
BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden were emotional after their exit
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BBC“It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had fun!”
Paying tribute to his dance partner, Mr Skinner added: “Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, because you’re a different class.”
Ms Dowden, who overcame breast cancer to return to the show last year, provided an emotional response. The tearful pro dancer’s early exit comes a year after she had to withdraw from the 2024 series due to injury.
Heaping praise on Mr Skinner, Ms Dowden said: “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much.
The professional dancer continued: “We’ve worked so hard and a Glitterball [Trophy] would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health, and being alive is more important than anything.
“I’ve made a new friend for life and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“There is a Ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom, but 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.”
Mr Skinner has faced his fair share of obstacles since signing up to star in the series, with online trolls targeting him over his patriotic and anti-woke views on social media.
Others have weaponised a social meeting he had with US Vice President JD Vance, while his previous run-ins with the law also became a stick to beat him with.
Add to the mix an affair scandal from three and a half years ago, which he owned up to and apologised to his wife for, and it’s clear to see Mr Skinner’s journey was far from plain sailing.
Therefore, it was inevitable that when reacting to Mr Skinner’s exit, several viewers claimed Ms Dowden “deserved better”, while other critics simply celebrated the Apprentice star’s elimination with their usual attacks.
However, his supporters hit back at the vitriol spewed by his opponents, including one X user who fumed: “Poor @iamtomskinner his #Strictly journey sabotaged by #woke #Bosh.”
“Woke nonsense #strictly,” a second slammed before a third reached out: “Well said, Amy. Tom is not my politics, but it doesn’t make him a bad person. #Strictly.”
A fourth also slammed the reception to Mr Skinner’s exit from certain viewers: “I see the usual bitter nutters are watching. They really need to get a life. #strictly.”
“I feel so sorry for Amy but he has had a s**t time as well,” a fifth weighed in: “They both deserved a bit better. The other guy is solid with no movement at all, seems like there is not much personality there either. Amy we love you! #StrictlyComeDancing.”
Elsewhere, a sixth consoled: “It wasn’t the greatest dance, but would have liked to watch Tom grow as a dancer in the coming weeks..ah well, someone had to leave #Strictly.”
Meanwhile, a seventh countered: “Not sure what all the hate for Tom is about – but he was definitely the worst dancer and deserved to go home. He seemed to be a good support for Amy and got her praise – so he can’t be all bad #strictly.”
And an eighth commented: “Amy getting emotional and saying that Tom gave her her confidence back when it comes to dancing, that really got me in the feels #Strictly.” (sic)
The remaining 14 celebrities will return to the ballroom next weekend, where another celebrity will be booted from the show.