Overview

• Saturday’s pre-recorded launch confirmed Skinner’s partnership with Amy Dowden, and he remains in the BBC lineup as live shows begin on 27 September.
• Skinner posted a lengthy defense on X, declaring “I won’t be cancelled” after admitting a past extramarital “fling” and acknowledging arrests in his youth.
• Amy Dowden publicly praised Skinner as “really lovely,” saying training is going well and that they are working hard following her return after cancer treatment and last year’s injury.
• Fans voiced frustration over the pairing, and BBC presenter Peter Levy said he felt sorry for Dowden; Skinner replied that they are getting on well and urged support for his partner.
• Skinner’s Monday tweet suggested he is preparing a waltz for week one, which would pre-empt the usual midweek dance reveal, as scrutiny of his political associations including a JD Vance meetup continues.