The glittering Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final crowned a historic winner, but the absence of one controversial contestant and a subsequent snub from his professional partner have stolen headlines.
A Finale Missing Its Controversial Star
The grand finale of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 saw finalists Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu battle for the Glitter Ball trophy. In a tearful victory, former footballer Karen Carney made history by becoming the first-ever Lioness to lift the coveted prize.
However, fans quickly noted that The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was conspicuously absent from the traditional group number featuring all the series' contestants. The BBC confirmed earlier in the week that the businessman would not attend due to a 'prior commitment'.
Legal Threats and a Silent Partner
The situation escalated when reports emerged that Skinner was considering legal action against the broadcaster. He believes he was unfairly eliminated in week two, claiming he had email evidence the result was 'unfair'. Skinner alleged he received an anonymous email, purportedly from a BBC executive, with voting stats showing he had more public support than indicated.
In a statement to Metro, the BBC robustly defended its process: 'Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.' They later called his allegations 'entirely without foundation'.
Hours before the final on December 20, Skinner posted on X, stating he had checked with his 'lovely dance partner, Amy Dowden' about his absence, calling her a 'good friend'. Yet, after the final, Dowden's reaction suggested a different story.
The Welsh professional, who was partnered with Skinner until their early exit, shared a series of Instagram snaps celebrating the new champions, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. Her heartfelt caption praised Carlos's journey and Karen's victory but made no mention whatsoever of Thomas Skinner. Her only reference to her own 2025 series was a generic thank you to the show for their support.
A Turbulent Strictly Journey from the Start
Skinner's time on Strictly was fraught with controversy from the beginning. His casting was criticised by some viewers due to his associations with right-wing political figures. He also faced media scrutiny over personal scandals before the series began.
His dancing skills divided opinion, with some online critics labelling him one of the 'worst contestants'. Following his elimination, Skinner expressed regret, writing on X: 'I wish I never done Strictly, I never fitted the bill for that show let’s be honest. And it’s caused me nothing but agg. Constant abuse.'
Despite the Strictly drama, Skinner is set to return to reality TV over Christmas as part of the Celebrity Apprentice lineup, revisiting the show that launched his TV career in 2019.
The 2025 series of Strictly has been a rollercoaster, marked by emotional presenter departures, contestant injuries, and now, a final overshadowed by allegations and a conspicuous parting of ways between a celebrity and his pro.
