Strictly star pulls out of epic BBC final after sparking controversy on show

After three months, the BBC finalists are prepared to dance their hearts out to win the infamous glitterball trophy.

A Strictly Come Dancing star will not be attending the BBC final (Image: BBC)

One Strictly Come Dancing star will not be returning to the London ballroom for the epic BBC final. On Saturday night (December 20), West End star Amber Davies, YouTuber George Clarke, and England Lioness Karen Carney will battle it out to lift the infamous glitterball trophy after Balvinder Sopal was eliminated last week. Each couple will perform three routines each in an effort to wow the judges and viewers at home and steal comedian Chris McCausland’s crown.

But they won’t be the only BBC stars taking to the dancefloor this weekend. During the live final, the 2025 contestants will return for one final Strictly group number with their pro dancers while viewers place their votes for their favourite couples.

Thomas Skinner reportedly has a prior commitment this Saturday night (Image: BBC)

However, one famous face won’t be returning to the stage this weekend, according to The Mirror. Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, 34, was the first contestant to be voted out of the Saturday night show alongside his professional dance partner Amy Dowden earlier this year.

It is understood that the TV star has a prior commitment and will therefore not be able to attend the live recording of Strictly. However, the Welsh dancer will be there in their place to perform with their fellow ballroom stars. Other stars who appeared on the series include Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston.

They will take to the ballroom alongside other former contestants like drag queen La Voix, showbiz guru Ross King, and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. In the weeks leading up to the series, the Apprentice star stirred up a storm for his behaviour off the dancefloor.

He faced backlash following his controversial social media posts, including a selfie with US Vice President JD Vance. He then caused outrage when he stormed out of the press launch for Strictly and snatched a journalist’s phone. Days later, an affair was uncovered when he admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after they had walked down the aisle.

George Clarke, Amber Davies, and Karen Carney are competing for the glitterball trophy (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

By the time Strictly launched in September, Thomas had already made plenty of headlines for all the wrong reasons, leaving fans furious that he had been partnered up with Amy as her first partner following her cancer battle.

Fans will have to stay tuned to see which finalist will lift the glitterball trophy this year, in what is expected to be another BBC extravaganza. Viewers will bid farewell to the 2025 contestants alongside longstanding hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are leaving the show after 21 years at the helm.

Their final show, hosting the programme, will air on Christmas Day as a festive special, where they will take to the stage for a surprise ballroom number.