Thomas Skinner, known for his appearances on The Apprentice and Strictly Come Dancing, has publicly praised his dance partner Amy Dowden as a 'little cancer warrior' after she battled breast cancer. The 31-year-old took to Instagram on 1 October to share a throwback picture from six years ago, in which he painted his nails pink to raise awareness for the disease.
In the caption, Skinner wrote: 'This picture just came up on my phone from 6 years ago when I painted my nails pink to help raise awareness for breast cancer. Now 6 years late I'm dancing on Strictly Come Dancing with my little Cancer warrior @amy_dowden who has battled breast cancer and helped raise awareness. She honestly is a living legend.' He also reminded men that they are at risk of breast cancer and should check their chests.
Amy Dowden responded with gratitude, writing: 'Thanks partner for all your support! These kind lovely words! Now let’s have a great time on Lorraine then work hard and have another day of fun in the dance studio xxx.' The pair were partnered on Strictly last month and scored 16 points for their Paso Doble in the first live show. They will next perform a Salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal.
The post attracted some criticism, with one commenter noting that Amy is 'not a little anything, but a massive, epic, strong woman.' Others praised Skinner for highlighting that breast cancer can affect men. Dowden also shared her own story on Instagram Stories, reflecting on her hospitalisation two years ago and urging people to check themselves regularly.
