In a heart-wrenching turn of events on Strictly Come Dancing 2025, beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden and her celebrity partner Thomas Skinner were eliminated in the first results show of the season, leaving fans devastated. The emotional exit, marked by a fiercely contested dance-off, saw the duo bow out after a battle against rugby star Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova.
The scores from the opening live show, which had no public vote, were combined with this week’s judges’ scores and the public’s votes from Saturday night to determine the bottom two couples. Thomas and Amy found themselves in the dance-off, facing off against Chris and Nadiya in a bid to stay in the competition.
For their final performance, Thomas and Amy brought the house down with their vibrant Salsa to “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden, full of energy and flair. Meanwhile, Chris and Nadiya delivered a graceful Viennese Waltz to “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, captivating the audience with their elegance. Both pairs left it all on the dance floor, but the judges’ decision was unanimous. Head Judge Shirley Ballas, joined by Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, chose to save Chris and Nadiya. Motsi Mabuse, who held the deciding vote, later confirmed she would have made the same choice, sealing Thomas and Amy’s fate.
Speaking to host Tess Daly after the elimination, Thomas Skinner reflected on his Strictly journey with characteristic humor and humility. “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing. It’s been great fun, and I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had fun! Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good.”
Amy Dowden, however, stole the spotlight with her deeply emotional response, hinting at the personal challenges she’s faced in recent years. “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me,” she shared, her voice thick with emotion. “We’ve laughed so much. We’ve worked so hard, and a glitterball would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health, and being alive is more important than anything.”
Her words carried extra weight as she alluded to her ongoing health struggles, which have been a significant part of her journey. “The last three years, as you know, have been quite difficult for me,” Amy continued. “I lost all confidence as a dancer – but walking into the room with you, Tom, with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back, and honestly, thank you.” She added, “I’ve made a new friend for life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. There is a Ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom.”
Amy’s candid reflection on her health and her gratitude for Thomas’s support struck a chord with viewers, many of whom were moved to tears by her resilience and positivity. Her exit from the competition, though heartbreaking, was a testament to her strength and the unbreakable bond she formed with her partner.
As the Strictly spotlight shifts to the remaining fourteen couples, fans are already looking forward to the glitz and glamour of Movie Week, set to air at 6:05pm on Saturday, 11 October. While Amy and Thomas may have left the dance floor, their infectious spirit and heartfelt connection will linger in the hearts of Strictly fans everywhere.