Amy Dowden breaks silence on Thomas Skinner Strictly row | Devon Live

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has spoken out about Thomas Skinner missing the final of the BBC show

Amy Dowden has revealed that she was "gutted" when Thomas Skinner failed to appear at the Strictly Come Dancing final, a disappointment that came amid personal heartbreak.

The 35-year-old professional dancer had been partnered with The Apprentice star on the popular BBC Saturday night show, but they were the first pair to be eliminated from the competition.

Skinner was expected to rejoin his fellow contestants for the final, which saw Karen Carney and Carlos Gu emerge as series winners. However, he left Amy in the lurch by refusing to participate in the group dance with his co-stars.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Skinner plans to sue the BBC over allegations of rigged voting following his early departure from the show. Amy disclosed that Skinner had reached out to her last week, but her "mind was elsewhere" due to a personal loss.

Appearing on Monday's edition of Lorraine, stand-in presenter Christine Lampard asked Amy: "We all know you were partners with Thomas Skinner, who is sadly in the papers today, suing the BBC, and everything else. Have you spoken to him recently?"

Amy said: "So the last time I spoke to him was on Thursday. He didn't mention it. Sent me some messages." She then went on to explain that she recently lost someone that meant her "mind was elsewhere".

Amy continued: 'I was really upset on Thursday and still am. I lost somebody who was like a second dad to me - my dance teacher.

"He passed away on his wife's birthday. Phillip Perry. I owe my entire dancing career and everything to him. He was more than a dance teacher to me and my twin and my family.

"Do you know what, so my mind was elsewhere. To be honest, I was just gutted Thomas missed out on what was an incredibly fun, exciting final. I would have loved for him to be there."

It comes after Skinner has reportedly parted ways with his agent as Strictly's true voting figures were revealed.

The Apprentice star had already been deemed a controversial signing on the flagship BBC show due to his outspoken Right-wing views, but the storm only grew when he confessed to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after they tied the knot.

Thomas, who has denied the claims, was reportedly informed by Insanity management, who also represent the likes of Sam Thompson, Roman Kemp and Vick Hope of their decision on Saturday.

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV1 and ITVX.

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