Amy Dowden breaks silence on Thomas Skinner’s Strictly ‘legal claim’ after heartbreaking loss

The former Apprentice star was paired with professional dancer Amy for the BBC One dance contest’s 2025 run

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Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden(Image: BBC)

Amy Dowden has been asked to respond to Thomas Skinner’s claim that he has sought ‘legal advice’ over his early exit from Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Apprentice star was paired with professional dancer Amy for the BBC One dance contest’s 2025 run earlier in the year, but they became the first couple to be eliminated following a dance-off with former rugby star Chris Robshaw and his dance partner Nadiya Bychkova.

In a social media statement posted on Saturday (December 20) morning, ahead of the Strictly final, Thomas questioned his early exit from the competition, claiming he received an ‘anonymous email’ the night he left – which alleged he’d ‘received more votes than it appeared’.

He claimed that the email mentioned that the BBC was “very angry and nervous” after he had met with USA Vice President, JD Vance. Thomas also claimed that the cast received welcome gifts for being on the show, but that his was the only one to ‘get stolen’.

The BBC later responded to Thomas’ claims – saying they are entirely without foundation. A BBC spokesperson said: “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy every week. Any claims to the contrary are entirely without foundation. Unfortunately, despite requests for it, Mr Skinner is yet to share the email he references with anyone from the BBC so we are unable to comment on it.”

With regard to a welcome gift, the spokesperson added: “The Strictly Come Dancing production team categorically did not supply ‘welcome gifts’ to any of the cast.”

Now, Amy has been asked about Thomas’ claims during an appearance on Lorraine on Monday (December 22). After discussing her return to the dance floor having undergone a second mastectomy six weeks ago, and the recent Strictly 2025 final, host Christine Lampard asked the Welsh star if she’d heard from her former dance partner.

She replied: “Last time I spoke to him was on Thursday (December 18), he didn’t mention it. He sent me some messages. But I was really upset on Thursday. I lost someone who was like a second dad to me, my dance teacher, he passed away on his wife’s birthday. Philip Perry.

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Thomas with Amy during their short stint on Strictly 2025(Image: BBC)

“I owe my entire dancing career to him. So my mind was elsewhere but I’m just gutted that Tom missed out on what was an incredibly fun, exciting final. I’d have loved for him to be there.”

It comes after Amy took to social media on Friday (December 19) to share the sad news of her friend and former dance teacher’s death. Alongside a string of pictures, Amy wrote on Instagram: “Yesterday we lost my dancing hero. Like a second dad to me! You both have been like parents to me. Philip my first ever dance teacher who guided me through my entire career. I wrote phil a letter when I was a teenager to tell him he gave me my wings to fly. He mentioned it in his speech at my wedding and told me how much it meant to him last week.

“I hope you truly know how much you will always mean to me, how I am who I am today and all the opportunities and achievements are down to you both. So many dancing but other special memories together. From Christmas Day 2021 where we cried belly laughing all together, you coming to strictly on my first year and I got you up, making a speech at my wedding (which was very long )…. Dress shopping with Carol where we dragged you to every shop.

“The list goes on and I’m so lucky to have these memories! I’m so sad I won’t hear your jokes, your advice, see you dance again but I’ll keep you forever in my heart. Your legacy will live on. Dancing in wales would not exist without you both! You created, impacted so much and changed so many lives.”

She added: “My heart is aching so much for Carol losing her true love on her birthday but I see it now as the date belongs to Phill’s story too, and his life was you through and through. Forever connected! Sending my love and strength to Carol, Sean, Kay, Lloyd, Ella and all at shappelles! Phil I’ll be dancing for you tomorrow night and always. Your Amy.”