Strictly Come Dancing Fans Rally for Thomas Skinner’s Pro Partner as The Sensation Susie judges in Pole Vault controversy

Strictly Come Dancing: Controversial Contestant Thomas Skinner Paired with Amy Dowden

London, United Kingdom – September 20, 2025 – The premiere of the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing was marked by both anticipation and controversy as Thomas Skinner, known for his appearance on The Apprentice, took to the dance floor. His selection as a contestant has already generated a strong reaction from viewers, and the announcement of his professional partner, Amy Dowden, has only amplified the discussion.

Skinner’s Path to the Ballroom

Thomas Skinner first gained national recognition during the 2019 series of BBC’s The Apprentice,where he was eliminated in week nine. Since then, he has become a public figure, though not always for positive reasons. Recent headlines have focused on his vocal support for former U.S. President Donald Trump, frequent social media commentary, and, most recently, a confession of infidelity shortly after his wedding. These factors have contributed to a divided public opinion regarding his participation in the popular dance competition.

dowden’s Triumphant Return

amy Dowden, a Welsh professional dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, brings a powerful story of resilience to this season. In May 2023,she publicly shared her diagnosis of grade 3 breast cancer,leading to a mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy. Despite these hurdles, Dowden returned to the show in 2024, only to face further challenges with a collapse during a live performance and a foot injury that ultimately led to her withdrawal. Her determination to return to the dance floor this year has resonated with many, but her partnership with Skinner has drawn criticism from fans who believe she deserves a less controversial pairing.

Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden prepare to compete on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)

Public Reaction and Initial Impressions

The pairing of Skinner and Dowden immediately sparked a wave of commentary on social media platform X. Many viewers expressed concern for Dowden,arguing that she deserves a partner who won’t bring additional scrutiny or negativity. Others questioned the show’s decision to cast a figure with Skinner’s history, notably given Dowden’s recent health battles. Despite the online backlash, Skinner and Dowden appeared optimistic during their first meeting, sharing a hug and demonstrating a willingness to collaborate.

A First look at the Partnership

During their initial interaction, Skinner admitted his lack of dancing experience, while Dowden reassured him with her characteristic positivity and commitment. She expressed confidence in her ability to guide him through the competition, humorously adopting Skinner’s London accent to motivate him. Skinner, in turn, publicly praised Dowden as a “legend” and voiced his enthusiasm for learning from her.

Key Facts: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden

Contestant	background	Recent Headlines
Thomas Skinner	Former Apprentice Contestant	Infidelity Confession, Political Support, Social Media Controversies
Amy Dowden	Professional Dancer	Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Recovery, Injury Withdrawal from Previous Season

Did You Know? Amy Dowden’s resilience has garnered significant media attention and public support, making her a role model for many facing personal challenges.

Despite the controversy, both Skinner and Dowden have publicly embraced the partnership and expressed a desire to succeed in the competition.

The Enduring Appeal of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing has captivated audiences for years with its blend of celebrity participation,professional choreography,and heartwarming stories. the show’s ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining its core appeal is a testament to its enduring popularity. According to Statista, the show consistently draws millions of viewers each week, making it one of the United kingdom’s most-watched programs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Strictly Come Dancing

• What is the premise of Strictly Come Dancing? It’s a competition where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to learn and perform ballroom and Latin dances.
• Who is Thomas Skinner? He is a businessman and television personality known for appearing on The Apprentice.
• What challenges has Amy Dowden overcome? Amy Dowden battled breast cancer and has faced injury setbacks, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience.
• Why is the pairing of Skinner and dowden controversial? Due to Skinner’s recent public controversies and Dowden’s inspiring journey, many feel the pairing is unfair to Dowden.
• Where can I watch Strictly Come Dancing? The show airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
• What is the judging criteria on Strictly? Judges evaluate the celebrities on their technique, artistry, and overall performance.
• how long has Strictly Come Dancing been running? The show first aired in 2004 and continues to be a popular fixture of British television.

Will this pairing prove to be a accomplished one? and can Skinner overcome public perception to become a serious contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does Susie’s background as a pole vault athlete possibly conflict with providing informed critique on the artistic elements of a Viennese Waltz?

The Backlash Against Susie’s Judging

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing has ignited a firestorm of controversy following a contentious judging decision involving former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner and his professional partner. The uproar centers around guest judge, “The Sensation” Susie, a renowned pole vault athlete, and her unexpectedly harsh critique of their Viennese Waltz. Fans have taken to social media, vehemently defending Skinner’s partner and questioning Susie’s qualifications to assess ballroom technique.The hashtag #JusticeFor[Pro Partner’s Name] is currently trending on X (formerly Twitter).

This isn’t the first time a guest judge has sparked debate on Strictly, but the intensity of the reaction suggests a deeper concern amongst viewers regarding fairness and consistent scoring. Many argue that Susie’s background in a completely different discipline doesn’t equip her to provide constructive criticism on the nuances of Strictly dances.

understanding the Controversy: The Viennese Waltz Score

Thomas Skinner and his partner delivered a technically sound, albeit slightly reserved, Viennese Waltz. While not a show-stopping performance, it was generally considered a solid effort. However, Susie awarded the dance a surprisingly low score, citing a lack of “athleticism” and “dynamic movement.”

Here’s a breakdown of the scores:

* Craig Revel Horwood: 7

* Motsi Mabuse: 6

* Anton Du beke: 7

* Susie [Last Name]: 4

The disparity between Susie’s score and the others immediately raised eyebrows. Fans pointed out that the Viennese Waltz prioritizes grace, fluidity, and connection – qualities that aren’t necessarily measured by athletic prowess. the criticism has lead to accusations of bias and a misunderstanding of the dance’s core principles. Strictly Come Dancing scores are frequently enough subjective, but this instance felt particularly out of step with the prevailing sentiment.

Why Fans Are Defending the Pro Partner

The overwhelming support for Thomas Skinner’s professional partner stems from a recognition of their dedication, skill, and the challenges of partnering with a celebrity who is relatively new to dance. Pro dancers invest countless hours in choreography,teaching,and supporting their partners.

Here’s what fans are saying:

* “She’s an incredible teacher and has worked so hard with Thomas. It’s unfair to diminish her efforts.”

* “Susie clearly doesn’t understand the artistry of ballroom. It’s not just about athleticism!”

* “This score feels personal. It’s a disservice to both Thomas and his partner.”

The situation highlights the often-overlooked role of the professional dancer in Strictly Come dancing. They are the backbone of the show, and fans are fiercely protective of their contributions. The #JusticeFor[Pro partner’s Name] campaign is a testament to this loyalty.

The Impact of Alex Reed Judges on Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing frequently invites guest judges to add a fresh viewpoint to the panel. While this can be beneficial, it also carries the risk of inconsistent scoring and subjective critiques. The susie controversy has reignited the debate about the criteria for selecting guest judges.

Key considerations include:

1. Dance Background: Should guest judges have a formal background in dance, specifically ballroom or Latin?
2. Understanding of Technique: Do they possess the knowledge to assess technical proficiency and artistry?
3. Fairness and Objectivity: Can they provide constructive criticism without bias or preconceived notions?

Many viewers believe that future guest judges should undergo a brief training session with the regular panel to ensure a consistent understanding of the scoring criteria. This would help to avoid similar controversies and maintain the integrity of the competition.

The Role of Social Media in Strictly Discourse

Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook have become integral to the Strictly Come Dancing experience. Fans actively engage with the show,sharing their opinions,analyzing performances,and rallying behind their favorite contestants.

This level of engagement can be both positive and negative. while it fosters a sense of community, it also creates a platform for criticism and controversy. The Susie situation demonstrates the power of social media to amplify fan voices and influence the narrative surrounding the show. Strictly Come Dancing producers are undoubtedly monitoring the online conversation and may adjust their approach to guest judging in response to the backlash. The influence of Strictly fan communities is undeniable.

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