Thomas Skinner has returned to social media for the first time since he and Amy Dowden were eliminated from this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The 34-year-old Apprentice star had nothing but heartfelt words for the Welsh professional dancer after she broke down in tears during their exit interview with Tess Daly.
Ms Dowden was overcome with emotion, given the personal journey she'd been on to make it to the 2025 series, including a battle with breast cancer and an injury that led to an early withdrawal from the show last year.
Honouring Ms Dowden, Mr Skinner penned on X following Sunday's results show: "Amy Dowden is one of the most amazing persons I’ve ever met.
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BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden were emotional after their exit
| BBC"I loved every single second dancing with her. She is an absolutely wonderful person inside and out.
"She didn’t deserve to be out first, I’m so gutted for her that we went so early in the competition.
"I know dancing means the absolute world to her. Keep on shinning Amy. Sorry our Strictly journey was so short.
"But you keep on shinning girl. You deserve the world. Bosh," Mr Skinner signed off, adding a love heart emoji on the end. (sic)
Thomas Skinner paid tribute to Amy Dowden on X
|X
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Mr Skinner's heartfelt words were met with a warm reception from his 419k followers.
One X user praised: "Tom, you put everything into your performances, and if enthusiasm & energy was the skill, you’d be at the top of the leaderboard! Amy looked super proud of you. Onwards and upwards to the next adventure."
Elsewhere, a second added: "Your lifting experience served you well. OK, honestly, you were a bit rigid, but like my husband you are not a natural mover, but 10/10 for going on the show. You did what I would call a splendid effort."
"You did Essex proud. Bosh," a third weighed in before a fourth echoed: "Genuine as always and a true gent inside and out. Dancing definitely not your thing... but top man all the same."
BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden in the dance-off with Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova | BBCA fifth concurred: "Tommyboy you gave it a go. People who never watch Strictly watched it to see you. But now get yourself down Dinos and get back to delivering those mattresses. All the best to Amy, she seems like such a lovely lady."
And another added: "Fair f***s for having a go Tom, most people wouldn’t have the minerals to even go on TV, never mind all that dancing." (sic)
Mr Skinner's statement came after Ms Dowden tearfully said during Sunday's results show: "I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable.
"He’s looked after me. We’ve laughed so much.
BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner took on a Salsa for Week Two | BBC"We’ve worked so hard, and a Glitterball [Trophy] would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health, and being alive is more important than anything.
"I’ve made a new friend for life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
"There is a Ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom, but the last three years, as you know, have been quite difficult for me.
"I lost all confidence as a dancer - but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you."