Overview

• The BBC revealed during Saturday’s launch that Dowden is partnered with Apprentice alumnus Thomas Skinner for Strictly 2025.
• Viewers expressed frustration over the matchup, pointing to Skinner’s meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, a photo in a MAGA cap, and polarising social posts, as well as his recent admission of a fling.
• Dowden posted on Instagram that training has been enjoyable and that Skinner is enthusiastic and working hard.
• Skinner thanked Dowden and vowed to be the hardest worker, later writing on X that he has “become a target” and that he does not regret meeting Vance.
• Some commenters suggested the pairing could boost Skinner by linking him with a widely liked pro, while others said Dowden “deserved better” after her recent health challenges.