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Amy Dowden shared some heartfelt words to her partner Thomas Skinner after they were eliminated from the show(Image: Jeff Spicer/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Amy Dowden has shared some heartfelt words following her elimination from Strictly Come Dancing with her partner, former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner. They became the first couple to leave the competition after Thomas was voted into the dance off against former England rugby star Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova.

Tom and Amy performed their salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal which earned them 13 points from the judges on Saturday night. Chris and Nadiya took to the ballroom floor to showcase their Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for a second time, which earned them 16 points on the night.

The judges all agreed in their vote to save Chris and Nadiya, which meant Tom and Amy had to say their goodbyes. Speaking about his time on the show with presenter Tess Daly, Skinner said: “I’ve loved it.

“I’ve never danced before and listen 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, I’ve had fun. He continued: “Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, because you’re a different class.”

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Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, with host Tess Daly, after Skinner became the first celebrity to be voted off this year’s BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Amy has since shared a heartfelt statement addressing her early exit from the show. In a post on Instagram, the Welsh professional dancer said: “Our Strictly journey has sadly come to end.

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“Tom, you have truly helped bring me back, not just to the show, but to myself. Our training days have been filled with laughter and just enjoying the moment.

“Your work ethic, your heart, and your commitment the last few weeks has been 110%. You’ve embraced every challenge with such positivity, and I couldn’t have asked for more from you. “I would have absolutely loved to take you even further, just to share even more of the joy of dancing and the Strictly magic with you. But I’m leaving with a heart full of gratitude and pride. Thank you.

“What I’ve learnt more than ever this past two years what matters, happiness, health and to be grateful to be alive doing what I love. I wish all the contestants the very best of luck this season is going to be spectacular.

“I’ll be watching and cheering you all on. Lastly thanks for all the love, certainly felt it! Welsh love always xxx @bbcstrictly @iamtomskinner.”

Taking to the comments, Amy’s co-star Dianne Buswell sent her support. She wrote: “To happiness health and being alive. Go girl.” Jowita Przystal said: “We will miss you guys” with a red love heart emoji.

Katya Jones said: “I will never get used to this part of the show so sad to see Tom’s journey ending so soon.” Tess Daly added: “Love you so much Amy.”

Amy hoped to make it further in the competition as she was forced to withdraw from Strictly last year due to a foot injury. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has been open about her journey returning to dancing.

The 35-year-old Welsh professional was partnered with JLS star JB Gill on the 2024 series. But her time on the BBC dancing show was cut short and she was forced to pull out of the show.

She was replaced by fellow professional Lauren Oakley. The couple went on to reach the final, but they lost out of the glitterball to Scouse comedian Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell.