Thomas Skinner, the controversial first celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2025, will not be returning for the series finale this weekend, it has been confirmed.
Prior Commitment Rules Out Final Appearance
According to a report by The Mirror, the former Apprentice contestant has a prior commitment that prevents him from attending the live final on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The final traditionally sees all eliminated celebrities return for a group performance before the winner is crowned.
Skinner's professional dance partner, Amy Dowden, will be present at the event. Dowden, who recently underwent a second mastectomy following her 2023 cancer diagnosis, publicly supported Skinner during his time on the show amidst significant public backlash.
A Stint Marred by Controversy and Regret
Skinner's brief participation in the BBC dancing competition was overshadowed by controversy and his subsequent expressions of regret. Weeks after his elimination, the 34-year-old online personality stated he "never fitted the bill" and that appearing on the show caused him "nothing but agg," adding, "I wish I [had] never done Strictly."
His time in the public eye was marked by several incidents, including:
- Admitting to cheating on his wife shortly after their wedding in an interview with The Sun on Sunday.
- Apologising for taking a journalist's phone and walking out of a Strictly press event.
- Receiving death threats after meeting US vice president JD Vance.
- Drawing criticism for social media posts about patriotism and describing London as "hostile" and "tense."
Finalists Prepare as Eliminated Stars Reunite
The news of Skinner's absence comes as other eliminated celebrities from this year's series, including Lewis Cope, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Chris Robshaw, have been seen reuniting for rehearsals ahead of the final.
Three couples remain in contention for the Glitterball Trophy: Amber Davies with her partner, Karen Carney with hers, and George Clarke with his. The winner will be revealed during the live broadcast on Saturday night on BBC One.
Amy Dowden, reflecting on her partnership with Skinner during the show, told hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman: "We’ve laughed so much. We've worked so hard and a glitterball would have been amazing, but what I've learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything."
