Thomas Skinner, the divisive former star of The Apprentice, has confirmed he will not be making a return for the grand final of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 this Saturday night.
A Controversial Stint Cut Short
Skinner, 34, was the first celebrity to be eliminated from the current series of the BBC's flagship dance competition. His time on the show was marked by controversy, beginning with an admission shortly after joining that he had cheated on his wife weeks after their wedding. He also apologised for an incident where he picked up a journalist's phone and walked out of a Strictly press event.
Following his early exit, Skinner expressed deep regret about his participation, stating he "never fitted the bill" and that appearing on the show had caused him "nothing but agg." He was quoted as saying, "I wish I [had] never done Strictly."
Why Skinner is Skipping the Finale
Traditionally, all celebrities from the series return to perform one last time in the final before the Glitterball trophy is awarded. However, according to reports, Skinner has a prior commitment that prevents him from attending the live show on Saturday, 20 December.
His professional partner, Amy Dowden, who recently underwent a second mastectomy following her 2023 cancer diagnosis, will be present. Dowden publicly supported Skinner during the backlash he faced, telling hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman about the joy and hard work in their partnership.
Backlash and Broader Controversies
Skinner's time in the public eye has been turbulent beyond the dance floor. In September, he revealed he had received death threats after meeting US Vice President JD Vance. He has also faced significant criticism for social media posts concerning patriotism and safety in London, which many found inflammatory.
Meanwhile, other eliminated celebrities from this series, including Lewis Cope, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Chris Robshaw, have been seen reuniting in rehearsals for the final group performance. The competition for the Glitterball will be between Amber Davies, Karen Carney, and George Clarke.
While the Strictly Come Dancing final promises glitter and glamour, the absence of one of its most talked-about contestants underscores a stint remembered more for off-floor drama than on-floor cha-cha-chas.
