The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has made his debut on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor with professional dancer Amy Dowden, but viewers weren’t too impressed
Strictly Come Dancing’s Thomas Skinner has taken his first steps on the dance floor with professional partner Amy Dowden in this year’s inaugural live show, prompting her to declare: “I’m so proud of you.”
The outspoken Apprentice star joins a star-studded line-up including Gladiators legend Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (known to fans as Nitro), Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Youtube sensation George Clarke, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK performer La Voix, rugby union player Chris Robshaw and model Ellie Goldstein.
They’re up against controversial Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, presenter Vicky Pattison, Neighbours’ Stefan Dennis, Lorraine’s Ross King and former footballer Karen Carney.
Lewis Cope was one of the last celebrities announced, stepping in for Game of Thrones’ Kristian Nairn who had to pull out due to health issues. Just days ago, it was revealed that Amber Davies is taking over from fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who tragically had to bow out after fracturing her ankle.
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Tonight, Thomas and Amy took to the stage for their first live performance, dancing a Paso Doble to Hotei’s Battle Without Honor or Humanity, reports Essex Live.
As their training footage rolled, Thomas confessed: “I am starting from the bottom, I ain’t got a clue.”
Amy admitted she has her “work cut out”, but Thomas pledged to “believe in myself”.
He added: “Do it for Amy Dowden, do it for myself, do it for my family.”
However, as their routine drew to a close, whilst he confessed he was “over the moon”, Thomas could only muster 16 points, leaving viewers far from impressed.
“What a car crash of a dance,” one viewer commented, whilst another agreed: “Omg Thomas Skinner what was that.”
“Thomas Skinner, it’s not Strictly Come Walking, but fair play mate,” another posted.
Someone else remarked: “Thomas for sure will be the first one out. Amy was literally dancing circles around him.”
“You did amazing, honestly, I’m so proud of you,” Amy meanwhile shared.
Thomas rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2019, but failed to secure Lord Alan Sugar’s investment, leaving him fired after the ninth task.
The pillow and mattress company owner has caused quite a stir after being announced for this year’s Strictly line-up over his outspoken political views, including his support for Donald Trump and defending the notion of national pride.
After the line-up was confirmed, it was also revealed that Thomas had an affair weeks after his wedding, and later said his wife has now forgiven him and they “have worked at it”.
He also recently addressed the backlash over his inclusion on Strictly, taking to social media and saying: “Let me tell you this. I won’t be cancelled. I ain’t gonna kill myself like some of you want. I’m still here. I’m still standin. Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack….it don’t break me, it builds me stronger.”
Meanwhile, Amy, who is returning to Strictly after her cancer battle and having to withdraw from an injury last year, shared her support for her new dance partner.
Hours before taking to the dance floor, she shared on Instagram: “Today’s the day! The first live show day and I’m go excited to dance on the magical @bbcstrictly floor with my fabulous partner @iamtomskinner.
“It’s been such a great rewarding two weeks watching Tom fall in love with dancing and seeing the improvement each day. Dancing and performing couldn’t be further from his day to day job.
“We’ve had so much fun, worked really hard and I’ve got to know the real fun, family guy Tom is! Let’s go and enjoy this! Can’t wait partner. #strictly #liveshow #letsgo.”
Thomas and the other contestants are following the likes of Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Sarah Hadland and JB Gill, who all took part last year, while Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lifted the glitterball trophy, making history along the way.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke and Shirley Ballas have returned this year alongside hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, while new pros Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon have joined the series.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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