Amy Dowden has spoken of her disappointment that Thomas Skinner missed the Strictly Come Dancing final, revealing she was coping with the death of her beloved dance teacher at the time.
The 35-year-old professional dancer was partnered with The Apprentice star on the BBC show, but they were the first couple eliminated. Skinner was expected to join the finale but was notably absent from the group performance.
Reports have since emerged that Skinner plans to take legal action against the BBC over alleged vote manipulation. He has also parted ways with his management agency.
Appearing on Lorraine, Dowden said she last spoke to Skinner on Thursday, but her mind was elsewhere after losing Phillip Perry, who she described as a second father. 'I owe my entire dancing career to him,' she said.
Dowden added she was 'gutted' Skinner missed the final, saying she would have loved him to be there for what was an incredibly fun and exciting show.
