Strictly Come Dancing viewers fume as Amy Dowden paired with Thomas Skinner

Strictly Come Dancingfans have let their feelings be known about Amy Dowden's latest pairing on the hit BBC dance show. The popular professional, 35, has had a loyal following on the show since joining the cast in 2017.

However, her fanbase has been left in dismay after she was paired with Thomas Skinner for the latest series. The former contestant on The Apprentice's inclusion in the show has been met with a wave of criticism thanks to his controversial comments on social media.

"THEY ACTUALLY PUT AMY WITH HIM. Hasn’t she been through enough. WTF BBC #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," fumed one Twitter/X user.

"Poor Amy. She is really due a break #strictly," said another. And a third added: "WHO THE F*** DID THAT TO AMY. WE NEED TO HAVE SOME BIG BIG WORDS. #Strictly" "why’d they do this to amy . #strictly," another said.

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But Tom said he is "over the moon" with the pair as he joked he hopes Amy can teach him a few moves.

He recently met up with American vice president JD Vance on his UK visit, causing uproar online. And he has also been caught up in a cheating scandal in recent weeks, with his ex-mistress threatening to spill all after Skinner had claimed it was only a short fling.

Despite the backlash and threats to reveal more, Skinner has been quick to claim that he and his beloved wife, Sineda, had put it behind them and had forgotten it happened. They were seen all smiles with their three kids days before the Strictly launch show.

And in an interview with The Sun, he said: "We are in an incredible place now. We are strong. It’s forgotten about."

Skinner is one of fifteen stars to grace the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this series in the hope to land the coveted Glitter Ball. Following the announcement of his inclusion, Skinner admitted he was “beyond excited” to be joining the BBC dancing show. He also confessed that he had “never danced in my life other than at weddings”.

His statement read: "I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!

"I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”

Following the backlash after his inclusion announcement, BBC director general Tim Davie publicly defended the decision to cast Skinner. He told MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee that the casting team chose contestants who they believe will be interesting to the audience.

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