Former The Apprentice candidate and beloved Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has recounted the sheer panic of a live show moment so disastrous he was certain he had hospitalised his professional partner, Katya Jones.
The 2019 contestant, known for his infectious enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality, described the incident in a recent interview, shedding light on the intense pressure and unexpected dangers of the BBC's flagship dance competition.
The Moment It All Went Wrong
Skinner recalled a specific routine where a lift went catastrophically awry. "I remember grabbing Katya," he said, "and for a split second, I completely lost my balance and control." The result was a heart-stopping drop that sent the professional dancer crashing towards the hard studio floor.
His immediate thought was one of pure terror: "I've killed her. I've actually killed her. This is live telly, and I've killed Katya Jones." The audience gasped, and the moment hung in the air, a nightmare unfolding in front of millions of viewers.
The Aftermath and Katya's Professionalism
Miraculously, and a testament to her incredible skill and resilience, Katya Jones recovered from the fall almost instantly. Skinner recalled her sheer professionalism, saying she simply got up and carried on with the performance as if nothing had happened.
"She was an absolute trooper," he praised, acknowledging that her ability to recover saved them from complete disaster. The judges, including the notoriously hard-to-please Craig Revel Horwood, were none the wiser about the severity of the near-miss, marking the pair as if the stumble had never occurred.
A Story of Resilience and Friendship
Despite the terrifying mishap, Skinner looks back on his Strictly experience with immense fondness. His journey on the show was defined by his hilarious and endearing partnership with Jones, which made them huge favourites with the viewing public.
The incident highlights the hidden risks and immense physical trust involved in professional dance, especially for a complete novice paired with a world champion. Their story remains one of the most memorable and heartwarming partnerships in recent Strictly Come Dancing history, proving that even a near-catastrophe can't break a strong bond.
