The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 kicked off with a shock as the first celebrity was sent packing during the results show. Hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly delivered the gut-wrenching news that rugby star Chris Robshaw and The Apprentice alum Thomas Skinner had landed in the dreaded bottom two after the public vote.
In a tense dance-off, Thomas, paired with professional dancer Amy Dowden, faced off against Chris and his partner Nadiya Bychkova. The couples reprised their performances, with Chris and Nadiya delivering a heartfelt Viennese Waltz to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Die With A Smile. Despite Thomas and Amy’s best efforts, the judges—Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse—unanimously voted to save Chris and Nadiya, making Thomas the first celebrity eliminated from the 2025 series.
Motsi Mabuse, who held the deciding vote, confirmed she would have also chosen to save Chris, sealing Thomas’ fate. The decision marked the end of a short but spirited journey for the reality star, who admitted he was a novice on the dancefloor.
Speaking to Tess Daly after the elimination, a visibly emotional Thomas reflected on his time in the competition: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing. It’s been great fun, and I’ve enjoyed every second. I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had a blast! Thank you, Amy—I’m sorry we didn’t do better, ‘cause you’re in a different class.”
Amy Dowden, who formed a close bond with Thomas during their time together, shared her own heartfelt words: “I got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me, and we’ve laughed so much. We worked so hard, and while a glitterball would’ve been amazing, I’ve learned that happiness, health, and being alive are what matter most. I’ve made a friend for life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Amy also opened up about her personal struggles, revealing how Thomas helped her rediscover her confidence: “The last three years have been tough for me, and I lost all confidence as a dancer. But walking into the room with Tom’s massive smile and infectious laugh brought me back. Honestly, thank you.”
Thomas’ Strictly journey wasn’t without its share of drama. Weeks before the show’s launch, the reality star made headlines when he stormed out of press interviews and snatched a reporter’s phone. It also emerged that Thomas had a fling with an aesthetician shortly after his 2022 wedding to wife Sinead, adding fuel to the tabloid fire.
Despite the controversies, Thomas threw himself into training, shedding a stone in the process. Speaking on It Takes Two, he shared: “I’ve lost a stone since starting Strictly. I feel no different, but my trousers are getting a bit looser! Learning to dance is amazing—it’s a skill, and the professionals are in a different league. I’m trying, and I’m getting there.”
While Thomas may not have dazzled the judges with his moves, his enthusiasm and camaraderie with Amy won hearts. As he exits the ballroom, fans are left wondering who will be next to face the music in this fiercely competitive season of Strictly Come Dancing.