Strictly star Thomas Skinner hits back after being slammed by viewers: ‘Amy deserves better!’
‘Shame there isn’t any eliminations this week’
After Strictly fans they revealed they’re hoping that contestant Thomas Skinner will be the first to be booted off this year, the man himself has hit back.
The former Apprentice star, 34, has been paired with Welsh dancer Amy Dowden for the 2025 series. However, since being announced for this year’s line-up, Thomas has been recognised as this year’s most controversial celeb.
He has been very open about being a Donald Trump fan and has been accused of having “flirtations” with Reform UK.
Not to mention, he admitted to cheating on his wife weeks after they tied the knot. Thomas claimed it was a one-off. However, the other woman insisted it was a three-month affair.
Thomas and Amy made their Strictly live debut on Saturday (Credit: BBC)
Strictly star Thomas Skinner during first live show
On Saturday night (September 27), Thomas and Amy performed their first dance of the series, which was a pasodoble.
When it came down to the judges’ scores, Craig Revel Horwood gave a two and Motsi Mabuse a four. Meanwhile, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke both gave a five.
As a result, Thomas and Amy received a total score of 16 during the first week.
Strictly fans want Thomas out first (Credit: BBC)
‘Get him out’
Following the live show, Strictly viewers made it clear that they weren’t fans of Thomas. In fact, some viewers insisted he should be voted off first.
“Shame there isn’t any eliminations this week,” one user wrote on X.
“Praying to God he is first out. That was bloody dreadful. Poor Amy,” another person shared.
“Get him OUT,” a third wrote.
“Oh Amy, I’m so sorry you deserve so much better than Thomas Skinner,” a fourth said.
Thomas hits back
Despite the backlash online, Thomas said he was “over the moon” after his performance.
Posting on Instagram, he shared: “Thank you all so much for the love and support on my Strictly journey. I’ve never danced before and I’m enjoying it more than I ever imagined, thanks to my amazing dance partner Amy.
“I was told before I started my Strictly journey that the media was gonna go for me more than anyone…And I see that now. The hate frenzy they’ve created towards me is insane. There is hardly any truth in the majority of the articles. Now I understand why people in the public eye just say and do what they’re told…..because they’ll get buried if they don’t, just like they’re trying to do to me. I will always stand up for what is right.”
He continued: “This onslaught of hate has all started since I got invited to meet JD Vance, the vice president of the USA. And for the record: I haven’t hired a bodyguard. I didn’t have a three-month affair. I haven’t defaulted on a loan. I’m not being sued by global giant Bosch for saying ‘bosh’. The majority that has been reported is massively exaggerated or written in a way to make me look bad. In fact, all I’ve ever done is put into the UK economy, employ people, support local businesses, spread positivity, work bloody hard and try to make others believe in themselves by spreading love and positivity online.”
Strictly star Thomas Skinner keeping his ‘head held high’
Thomas went on: “The comments online from trolls saying I’m a fascist are mental. Loving your country is not fascism. The lunatics calling it that are insane, they’re just bullies who are angry at themselves.
“The lies won’t drag me down. I’ll keep dancing with my head held high. At the end of the day I’m honoured to be part of this wonderful dancing show and I’m gonna keep on trying my best and I don’t care if people like it or not. I am Proud of who I am and so grateful for all of you in my corner. Happy Sunday you lovely people, I’m going to enjoy mine with a nice roast dinner with the family. Bosh.”
This weekend, no contestant will face the public vote. However, next week, the lines will be open following everyone’s second performance next Saturday (October 4). On Sunday (October 5), one celebrity couple will leave the competition.
