First Elimination Sets the Tone for Strictly Come Dancing Season
The glittering ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing delivered a dramatic start to the season as the first celebrity elimination took center stage on Sunday night. After two tense performances in the dance-off, fans watched as the fate of the two bottom contenders was decided by the judges’ votes. In a decision that surprised some viewers and delighted others, former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was sent home, with former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and his professional partner Nadiya Bychkova earning the majority verdict to stay in the competition.
The Dancers and the Dances
Skinner, 34, teamed with pro partner Amy Dowden for a salsa performance to the high-energy track Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal and Armand van Helden. They were joined on the dance floor by Robshaw and Bychkova, who reprised their Viennese waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. The contrasts between the two routines highlighted the show’s balance of party-ready choreography and classic ballroom elegance, while also underscoring the unpredictable nature of the dance-off.
Judges’ Verdict and Player Reactions
After the two performances, the judges cast their votes, ultimately leaving Skinner and Dowden in the bottom two and Robshaw/Bychkova in the safe camp. The decision meant Skinner’s Strictly journey would come to a close earlier than many anticipated. In post-dance interviews, the energy around Skinner was a mix of humility and gratitude. He told co-host Tess Daly that despite his short time on the show, he had loved the experience and that Amy is “a different class.”
A Thank-You to a Pro who Lifted the Mood
Skinner’s farewell was tempered with warmth for his partner. Dowden, who has publicly shared her own health battles, received a heartfelt tribute from Skinner in return. The show’s tone shifted as Dowden herself opened up about her journey since diagnosis and highlighted how much Skinner’s upbeat approach had helped keep the mood light and enjoyable throughout their partnership. Dowden has faced health challenges in recent years, including a battle with breast cancer, and continues to balance her training with her recovery.
A Sense of Gratitude and Growth
Dowden’s reflection on their partnership carried a deeper message about resilience and joy. “I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much,” she shared. For Skinner, the experience marked a rare moment of stepping into a high-profile, televised arena. He acknowledged his own limitations with a candid sense of humor, insisting he had never danced at this level before but had still enjoyed the ride. The moment underscored a broader theme of Strictly Come Dancing: even contestants with limited prior dance experience can leave a lasting impression through perseverance and positivity.
What the Elimination Means for the Competition
With Skinner’s exit, the remaining contenders faced a fresh week of training and performances, while public votes continue to influence who ends up in the next dance-off. Each week’s scores, combined with viewer votes, shape the leaderboard in a show where technique, charisma, and audience connection all count. Dowden’s return to the dance floor has been met with broad support from fans who admire her candor about her health and her commitment to returning to form where she left off.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect more dramatic pairings, surprising eliminations, and standout performances. The early exit for Skinner doesn’t eclipse the perseverance shown by Dowden and her partner, who remain a compelling duo with a strong fan following. For many, the emotional journey of the contestants is as entertaining as the routines themselves, and Strictly Come Dancing continues to deliver a blend of sport, theatre, and celebrity culture that keeps audiences tuning in week after week.
