Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner performing during this year's first Strictly Come Dancing live show Strictly Come Dancing bosses have revealed that Thomas Skinner will not be returning to the ballroom for this year’s final. The former Apprentice candidate was a controversial signing as soon as he was confirmed for this year’s cast, having previously raised eyebrows with comments suggesting that London doesn’t “feel like London” anymore , accusing protestors of “tearing communities apart” , praising US president Donald Trump and posing for a picture with vice president JD Vance . In the run-up to the series’ launch, Thomas continued to find himself under scrutiny after he stormed out of this year’s Strictly press launch , and the furore continued days later due to the revelation that he had been unfaithful to his wife in the early stages of their marriage . Eventually, Thomas became the first star to be eliminated from the series, after failing to impress the judges and viewers with his dance abilities, and in a post shortly after his elimination, he admitted that he regrets taking part at all . While it’s customary for the whole cast of Strictly to return for the final for one last group routine, according to Metro , Thomas will not be taking part due to a prior commitment. Thomas’ professional partner Amy Dowden will still be part of the final, which will mark Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ’s last time hosting a Strictly live show together. Thomas Skinner was the first celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 Posting on X back in October , Thomas wrote: “I wish [I’d] never done Strictly, I never fitted the bill for that show, let’s be honest. And it’s caused me nothing but agg. Constant abuse. “All I fuckin’ do is try to spread positivity online. I can’t walk anywhere without people knowing who I am. I’ve had a narrative spun against me so people always have an opinion on me now that they didn’t three months ago. I’ve heard so many lies said and told about me. It’s driving me mad.” However, it won’t be long until the polarising entrepreneur-turned-reality-star returns to our screens, as it was recently announced that he is on the line-up of the festive celebrity special of The Apprentice that will air on BBC One between Christmas and the New Year. MORE STRICTLY: Amanda Holden Sets The Record Straight On Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Rumours Strictly Come Dancing Bosses Shut Down 'Seismic' Behind-The-Scenes Change Rumours BBC Addresses Claims Amber Davies' Strictly Charleston Included 'Copied' Moves