The first elimination of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing has taken place, with businessman and television personality Thomas Skinner exiting the competition after losing the dance-off to former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw. The decision, delivered by the judging panel on Sunday night, ended Skinner’s brief but memorable stint on the BBC’s flagship dance show.
The result marks the start of the high-stakes eliminations that define the series each year, where performance scores and public votes combine to determine who remains on the glittering dancefloor. For Skinner, who rose to prominence on The Apprentice in 2019 and has since become a familiar face across British television, it was the end of an energetic but short-lived chapter.
The Dance-Off Showdown
The tension was high on Sunday evening as the two lowest-ranked couples reprised their routines from Saturday night. Skinner and his professional partner Amy Dowden performed their salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. The number was marked by enthusiastic lifts and acrobatics, including Skinner bench-pressing Dowden overhead, a move that entertained audiences but drew playful criticism from judge Craig Revel Horwood, who quipped that it resembled a “weightlifting competition more than a dance.”
In contrast, Robshaw and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova delivered a Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile, a ballad by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The graceful routine impressed the panel, who voted by majority to keep the former rugby captain in the competition.
The judges’ verdict sealed Skinner’s fate, making him the first contestant to leave the 2025 series.
Skinner’s Reaction
Speaking after his elimination, the 34-year-old entrepreneur expressed gratitude for the experience and admiration for his partner. “Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, ’cause you’re a different class,” he said in a heartfelt farewell.
Despite his departure, Skinner insisted he had thoroughly enjoyed his short run on the show. “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!” he added.
Skinner’s time on Strictly began with headlines even before the first show aired, after he walked out of a press conference early — an incident for which he later apologised. Yet on the dancefloor, he embraced the spirit of the competition, delivering performances that emphasised enthusiasm over technical mastery.
Amy Dowden’s Return and Emotional Tribute
For professional dancer Amy Dowden, Skinner’s elimination carried a bittersweet note. Dowden, who has faced serious health challenges in recent years following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, made a celebrated return to the Strictly stage in 2024, only to withdraw mid-series due to injury.
This year, her partnership with Skinner represented not only a professional comeback but also a personal triumph. She praised her celebrity partner for reigniting her confidence. “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much,” she said on Sunday.
Reflecting on her journey, Dowden told the audience: “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.”
Her candid remarks highlighted the resilience and determination that have made her one of the most beloved professionals on the show.
Judges’ Critiques and the Scoreboard
Skinner and Dowden’s salsa earned 13 points from the judges, the lowest score of the week. Combined with the results from the first two weeks and the public vote, this left them vulnerable to elimination.
The judges were clear in their assessments. While commending Skinner’s charisma and commitment, they emphasised the lack of fluidity and timing in his footwork. By contrast, Robshaw’s Viennese waltz was praised for its musicality and improvement since week one, giving him the edge in the dance-off.
Skinner’s Public Profile Beyond Strictly
Although his Strictly journey has ended, Skinner remains a prominent figure in British media. After first appearing on The Apprentice, he transitioned into mainstream entertainment, appearing on programmes such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain, and Celebrity MasterChef.
Off-screen, Skinner runs several businesses, including ventures in the gym and hospitality sectors, and is a regular voice on TalkSport Radio. His outgoing personality and candid presence on social media have earned him a loyal following.
For many viewers, his Strictly performances reinforced his brand: humorous, larger-than-life, and unafraid to take risks.
The Importance of the First Elimination
The first exit of each Strictly season always generates heightened attention. For contestants, it represents the harsh reality of the competition: enthusiasm alone is not enough to secure progress without technical improvement and public backing.
For Skinner, leaving early may be disappointing, but history suggests early departures can still fuel career opportunities. Past contestants eliminated in the first or second week have gone on to leverage the exposure into new television projects, book deals, or public appearances.
In the broader context of the series, the first elimination also sharpens the focus for the remaining couples. The stakes are clear: each week’s performance can mean the difference between progression and departure.
The Broader Appeal of Strictly
Now in its 21st year, Strictly Come Dancing continues to attract millions of viewers, blending glamour, competition, and emotional storytelling. The format — pairing celebrities with professional dancers — has proven remarkably resilient, and the dance-off mechanism ensures drama from the outset.
The show’s popularity also lies in its diversity of contestants, ranging from athletes and actors to broadcasters and social media personalities. This year’s cast reflects that tradition, with a mix of established names and rising stars.
What Comes Next: Movie Week
With Skinner’s departure, 14 couples remain in the competition, each looking to make their mark in the coming weeks. Next Saturday will see the much-anticipated Movie Week, one of the show’s most popular themed episodes.
Contestants will perform routines inspired by iconic films, with costumes and staging designed to bring cinematic flair to the dancefloor. The week often delivers some of the series’ most memorable performances, and for competitors, it provides an opportunity to connect with audiences through familiar stories and music.
Cultural Impact and Viewer Engagement
Beyond the studio, Strictly continues to spark conversations across Britain. Social media platforms light up with discussions of choreography, costumes, and judges’ comments, turning each Saturday night into a shared cultural experience.
The programme also plays a role in promoting dance and the performing arts to a wide audience. For many viewers, Strictly offers not only entertainment but also inspiration to take up ballroom or Latin dance, reinforcing its legacy as more than just a television contest.
The Human Stories Behind the Glitter
While the competition drives the format, Strictly is equally about the human journeys of its participants. For Amy Dowden, her return symbolises resilience in the face of health struggles. For Thomas Skinner, it was a chance to step outside his business and media persona, embracing a new challenge with humour and determination.
Their partnership, though short-lived, resonated with viewers who value the authenticity and camaraderie at the heart of the show.
Looking Ahead
As the competition intensifies, attention will shift to which contestants can balance technical improvement with audience appeal. Strong early performers, such as Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, who topped the leaderboard with her samba in week one, will face mounting pressure to maintain consistency. Others will aim to build momentum week by week, hoping to peak at the right time.
For Skinner, the journey may have ended on the dancefloor, but his energy and positivity have added to the fabric of the series. His departure serves as a reminder that, while only one couple can lift the glitterball trophy, every participant leaves a mark on the Strictly story.
Conclusion
Thomas Skinner’s elimination may be the first of the series, but it encapsulates what makes Strictly Come Dancing endure: the blend of triumph and disappointment, the interplay between technical artistry and public affection, and the personal journeys that unfold under the glittering lights.
As the remaining contestants prepare for Movie Week, the competition promises more drama, more joy, and more unforgettable moments. For audiences, it is another chapter in a programme that continues to capture the imagination of millions across the UK.
