Overview

• The Strictly launch confirmed Skinner’s partnership with Amy Dowden, who returns after cancer treatment and a later foot injury sidelined her from recent series.
• Skinner posted that he "won't be cancelled," addressing an admitted past fling, earlier arrests, and backlash tied to his meeting with US vice president JD Vance and a MAGA photo.
• In a separate message ahead of the first live show, he said he will focus on work in the studio, "keep learning," and improve what he joked looks like a "wardrobe doing the Waltz."
• Viewer reaction has been critical of the pairing, with some fans saying Dowden deserved a less divisive partner and others suggesting the match could bolster Skinner’s support.
• Dowden publicly backed Skinner on Instagram, calling him "really lovely" and saying he is working hard and enjoying learning to dance.