The confetti had barely settled on Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s stunning victory, yet a shadow lingered over the finale of Strictly. While celebrations erupted, a notable absence sparked quiet speculation: where was Thomas Skinner?
The businessman, recently eliminated from the competition, didn’t appear alongside his fellow contestants as the curtain closed on the 2025 series. The BBC initially cited a “prior commitment” for his absence, a statement that quickly dissolved into a far more complex narrative.
Skinner soon alleged unfair play, claiming he possessed email evidence suggesting his elimination in week two was not a reflection of the public vote. He voiced his concerns hours before the final, hinting at a discrepancy between the votes received and the outcome announced.
The BBC responded with a firm denial, asserting the show’s voting process is “robust and independently overseen” to guarantee accuracy. However, the controversy didn’t end there, as it appeared even Skinner’s professional partner was eager to move forward.
Amy Dowden, visibly elated, flooded Instagram with celebratory posts featuring the winning couple. Her heartfelt message praised Karen and Carlos, acknowledging their dedication and triumph. Yet, conspicuously absent was any mention of her time on the dance floor with Skinner.
Dowden’s only acknowledgement of the season was a thank you to the BBC, expressing gratitude for their support. Fans quickly noticed the omission, flooding her comments with messages of support and disappointment over her early exit.
Despite the unfolding drama, Skinner had reached out to Dowden before the final, ensuring she was comfortable with his decision not to attend. He emphasized their growing friendship, stating he would never want to let her down.
Skinner revealed he was initially “buzzing” about Strictly, but his enthusiasm waned after receiving an anonymous email from someone claiming to be a BBC executive. The email allegedly contained voting statistics that contradicted the official results, fueling his belief that the process was flawed.
This season of Strictly has been marked by unexpected turns, from the emotional announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure to unforeseen injuries forcing contestants to withdraw. Now, a dispute over the integrity of the voting system adds another layer of complexity.
Skinner’s journey on the show was fraught with challenges from the start. He faced criticism for his associations and found himself embroiled in controversy even before his first dance. Some viewers openly questioned his commitment to the competition, deeming him one of the “worst contestants.”
Following his elimination, Skinner publicly expressed regret for joining the show, claiming it had brought him “nothing but agg” and constant abuse. Despite the negativity, he’s already looking ahead, returning to reality television with a role in the upcoming Celebrity Apprentice.
He recently appeared visibly moved on the show, reflecting on how his initial appearance on the program six years prior had profoundly changed his life. It seems, despite the turbulence, Skinner is determined to continue his television journey.
