Overview

• BBC’s pre-recorded launch on 20 September confirmed Thomas Skinner is partnered with Amy Dowden for the 2025 series.
• Dowden posted that Skinner is “really lovely” and said they are working hard and laughing in rehearsals ahead of Saturday’s live show.
• Skinner defended himself on X, saying he has “become a target,” and his post appeared to hint at their week-one dance before official announcements.
• Betting moved against Skinner after the launch, with Pundit Arena reporting his price drifting from 16/1 to 40/1, placing him among the underdogs.
• Viewer criticism has intensified over Skinner’s recent controversies, including a press-event phone incident, past infidelity reports, and photos with JD Vance and a MAGA hat, prompting a public rebuttal to BBC presenter Peter Levy.