BBC Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of final due to prior commitments

One star will miss the Strictly Come Dancing finale group dance on Saturday due to a prior commitment

Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time and Jordan Lloyd Beck

19:52, 17 Dec 2025

Strictly Come Dancing is airing its final this Saturday

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Strictly Come Dancing is airing its final this Saturday (Image: PA)

One familiar face will be missing from the grand finale of Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday.

Thomas Skinner, 34, known for his stint on The Apprentice, was the first to be eliminated from the popular BBC Saturday night show this year, alongside his professional dance partner Amy Dowden.

Despite it being customary for all previous contestants to return for the final show, Thomas has a prior engagement and won’t be able to attend the live recording of Strictly this Saturday, reports the Mirror. However, Amy Dowden will be back to strut her stuff with the other ballroom stars.

It’s been confirmed that Thomas’ weekend commitment means he won’t be part of Saturday’s Class of 2025 group dance. Amy, on the other hand, will join the routine along with the remaining celebrities and professional dancers.

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This year’s series saw a host of famous faces take to the dancefloor, including Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston. They, along with other former contestants such as drag queen La Voix, entertainment expert Ross King, and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, are expected to make a comeback for the final.

Strictly Come Dancing

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Thomas Skinner, 34, known for his stint on The Apprentice, was the first to be eliminated(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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In the run-up to the series, Thomas caused quite a stir off the dance floor. He faced criticism over his social media activity, particularly a selfie he posted with US Vice President JD Vance, reports the Mirror.

He then caused outrage when he stormed out of the press launch for Strictly and snatched a journalist’s phone. Then, an affair was uncovered as Thomas admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding.

When Strictly finally aired, Thomas had already dominated headlines for entirely negative reasons, and his partnership with popular professional dancer Amy only intensified the controversy.

This Saturday’s final will see West End performer Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin go head-to-head with YouTuber George Clarke and Alexis Warr, alongside Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. Amber, who stepped in at short notice after fellow Love Island champion Dani Dyer picked up an injury, recently became visibly moved whilst discussing her journey on the programme.

Thomas Skinner

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It’s been confirmed that Thomas’ weekend commitment means he won’t be part of Saturday’s Class of 2025 group dance(Image: Isabel Infantes/PA)

Speaking on It Takes Two, she struggled to contain her emotions: “It makes me wanna cry, honestly. I can’t believe I’m here, just the way that we started. I had this random phone call on a Wednesday night, to being in the final and having the best 12 weeks of my life.”

Unable to compose herself, Amber continued through tears: “I’m just over the moon. I don’t want it to be over. Have we got any tissues?”

Despite receiving multiple perfect scores throughout the competition, Amber still had to battle for her spot in the final after facing EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal in the dance-off last week.