Thomas Skinner has become the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. In Sunday’s results show, The Apprentice star and his professional dance partner Amy Dowden left the competition after taking on Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova in the dreaded dance-off.
During the episode, Skinner and Dowden took to the floor to perform their Salsa to ‘Bonkers’ by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. Unfortunately for the pair, however, it was Robshaw and Bychkova who emerged victorious, winning over the judges with their Viennese Waltz to ‘Die With A Smile’ by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
After Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse all decided to save Robshaw and Bychkova, Skinner and Dowden joined Tess Daly to reflect on their Strictly journey.
“I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing,” Skinner began. “It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had fun! Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, ’cause you’re a different class.”
Meanwhile, Dowden called Skinner a “friend for life”, adding that she was “gutted” their time together had come to an end. “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much. We’ve worked so hard, and a glitterball would have been amazing,” she said.
Photographer: – BBC
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“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.”
Photographer: – BBC
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Following their exit from the competition, Skinner and Dowden will appear on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday 6 October at 6:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, where they’ll take part in their first exclusive interview since waving goodbye to the ballroom.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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