Overview

• The Apprentice star performed a Paso Doble with pro partner Amy Dowden and received 16 points from the judges, with scores of 5 from Anton Du Beke, 2 from Craig Revel Horwood, 4 from Motsi Mabuse and 5 from Shirley Ballas.
• Social media reactions skewed negative, with many viewers calling the marking too generous and comparing his tally unfavourably with other contestants.
• Skinner posted a statement condemning coverage of his participation as a manufactured 'hate frenzy' and said he will keep dancing with his head held high.
• His wife, Sinead Skinner, publicly wrote 'Very proud' after the routine, while Dowden praised his effort and urged him on to week two.
• The scrutiny follows recent off-screen controversies that have trailed his casting, even as he remains in the competition near the lower end of the leaderboard.