The glittering finale of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has been overshadowed by a bitter row, leaving professional dancer Amy Dowden without a partner for the traditional group performance. Her former celebrity partner, Thomas Skinner, has pulled out amid reports he is suing the BBC, alleging the show's voting was rigged.
A Solo Return for Amy Dowden
The 34-year-old star of The Apprentice was partnered with the beloved 35-year-old professional Amy Dowden, who made an emotional return to the ballroom this year following her battle with cancer. The pair were, however, voted out in the competition's very first week after dancing to Dizzee Rascal's 'Bonkers'. Despite the early exit, it is customary for all eliminated contestants to return for a final group dance.
Just days before the final, where Amber Davies, George Clarke, and Karen Carney will compete for the Glitterball Trophy, it emerged Thomas would not be participating. Initial claims suggested a prior commitment was to blame, but it was later reported the reality star is locked in a legal dispute with the show's producers.
Allegations of a 'Rigged' Vote and a 'Selfish' Move
Sources claim Skinner believes he has proof of foul play designed to eliminate him as quickly as possible. The first elimination combined judges' scores from weeks one and two with the results of a public vote. While the BBC does not reveal individual vote counts, Skinner reportedly suspects his public support was deliberately downplayed.
A show insider told The Daily Mail: "It’s so sad for Amy that she has nobody to dance with this weekend. She is now fit and healthy and would have loved to have had last chance to perform with Thomas, but he has ruined that for her now." They added, "It all feels very selfish!"
The BBC has strongly denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson stated: "Strictly Come Dancing's public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy." Corporation sources also told the Mirror that no formal legal complaint has been received.
A Controversial Series From the Start
Skinner's time on Strictly was marked by controversy even before the dancing began. He faced backlash for a social media post with US Vice President JD Vance, stormed out of the show's press launch, and was involved in an incident where he snatched a journalist's phone. He also publicly admitted to cheating on his wife weeks after their wedding.
A source told The Sun that despite an invitation, there was "no chance" Skinner would return for the final, having been "locked in rows with bosses ever since he was sent home." They claimed he is "convinced the BBC was hell-bent on getting him out."
While Skinner will be absent, Amy Dowden will still perform alongside her fellow professional dancers and other returning stars, including Vicky Pattison, Lewis Cope, Alex Kingston, La Voix, Ross King, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The show must go on, but for Amy, the final dance will be a solo endeavour.
