Amy Dowden Opens Up About Thomas Skinner Silence and TV Family Bonds
In an exclusive revelation, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has disclosed the reason behind her recent lack of communication with former celebrity partner Thomas Skinner. Speaking at the prestigious TV Choice Awards on Monday, the dancer provided candid insights into their relationship and her broader television family connections.
The Distance Between Dance Partners
Amy Dowden confirmed that she hasn't spoken to Skinner since before Christmas, attributing the silence to their mutually hectic schedules. "We haven't spoken recently - we've both been so busy," she explained. "But we caught up just before Christmas to wish each other well."
The professional dancer highlighted that the former Apprentice star has been dedicating his time to significant charitable work. "He's doing amazing work for men's mental health at the minute - including Sunday walks," Dowden revealed, acknowledging Skinner's positive contributions despite the controversies that clouded his Strictly stint.
Controversy and Elimination
Thomas Skinner's time on the BBC dance competition was notably brief and contentious. As the first contestant eliminated from last year's series, he subsequently made allegations about vote rigging that were later disproven. His personal life also attracted attention following revelations about an affair shortly before his 2022 marriage to wife Sinead.
Thoughts on Strictly's Future Presenters
Addressing one of television's most discussed topics, Dowden shared her perspective on potential replacements for departing co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. She expressed strong support for one particular broadcaster.
"I'd personally go with Emma Willis," Dowden stated emphatically. "She's a fantastic broadcaster, a true fan of the show, and passionate about dance just like Tess and Claudia."
The dancer reflected on the enduring appeal of the Strictly format: "They'll both be dearly missed, but the format of Strictly will continue. Watching partnerships grow, routines develop, and seeing people fall in love with dance, that's what keeps it going."
Professional Partnerships and Personal Bonds
The 35-year-old from Caerphilly, Wales, has her own professional commitments to focus on, including an upcoming UK tour in May. She'll be performing alongside fellow Strictly professional Carlos Gu in their dance show Reborn.
Dowden spoke warmly about her colleague: "Carlos is part of my family, he calls my parents Mama and Papa. I get to go on tour with the Strictly Come Dancing champion. What an honour!"
The close friends have also collaborated on Celebrity Hunted, which is scheduled for release soon. During this experience, Dowden developed a particularly special bond with fellow contestant Brian Connolly.
"He was even Master of Ceremonies at my wedding, we're incredibly close," she revealed. "Brian and Lucy are wonderful. He's like my 'TV dad'."
Personal Challenges and Charitable Efforts
Amy Dowden's personal journey has been marked by significant health challenges, including her battle with breast cancer. Last November, she announced her withdrawal from the 2025 Strictly series to undergo a second mastectomy.
Recently, she shared devastating news about a close childhood friend. "I went to school with her in year seven, my twin sister was at school with her, too," Dowden explained. "To hear that her cancer's back and she's facing terminal illness is absolutely devastating."
The dancer described how her friend supported her during her own treatment: "She was such a support to me - she'd message my twin sister when I was having chemotherapy."
Dowden has launched a fundraising initiative to help her friend, who is a mother to two young boys. "The GoFundMe page I shared last week is to help raise money for an operation that could give her a little more time," she said.
"She's got two young, gorgeous boys, and that's why it's so important to raise awareness. Cancer doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone at any age. I'll do all I can to raise money and awareness for as long as I live."
