Thomas Skinner has become the first celebrity to be voted off this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The Apprentice star, 34, found himself in the first dreaded dance-off of the series during Sunday’s show after finishing bottom of the Week Two leaderboard on Saturday night.

Alongside Amy Dowden, Mr Skinner received some rather brutal remarks from the judges for his Salsa, with Craig Revel Horwood, in particular, pulling no punches with his feedback.

However, despite only racking up a score of 13 in Week Two, his Week One score of 16 left him above entertainment reporter Ross King by four points on the combined scoreboard.

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden in the dance-off with Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova

Sadly, that wasn’t enough for him to avoid the dance-off opposite former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw.

Both couples performed their routines again, with Mr Skinner and Ms Dowden performing their Salsa to Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal, while Mr Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova performed their Viennese Waltz to Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Following the routines, it was left to Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and the aforementioned Mr Revel Horwood to choose which star to save. They unanimously saved Mr Robshaw.

When asked by Tess Daly about their time on the show, Mr Skinner replied: “I’ve loved it. I’ve never danced before, and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing.

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden were all smiles after their exit

“It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well, but I’ve had fun!

“Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, because you’re a different class.”

Ms Dowden, who overcame breast cancer to return to the show last year, provided an emotional response to the Strictly host.

“I’ve got to know the real Tom, and he is adorable. He’s looked after me,” she said. “We’ve laughed so much.”

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner was embraced by his co-stars

The professional dancer continued: “We’ve worked so hard and a Glitterball [Trophy] would have been amazing, but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health, and being alive is more important than anything.

“I’ve made a new friend for life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“There is a Ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom, but the last three years, as you know, have been quite difficult for me.

“I lost all confidence as a dancer – but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you.”

BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner took on a Salsa for Week Two

| BBCThe pair shared a hug before being embraced by their Strictly co-stars as they bid farewell to the show.

The result will undoubtedly be a disappointing one for Mr Skinner, who just 24 hours earlier had expressed on social media just how much he was enjoying the experience.

Minutes after their Saturday night Salsa, Mr Skinner posted on X: “LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF THAT!! I know I ain’t the best dancer. But I’m trying.

“And Amy has been amazing!! Enjoying the rest of the dancers! They’re all amazing. An if you want to see me next week. Please vote for me & Amy. Love you all. Bosh.” (sic)

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner’s routine had lifts aplenty | BBCThe remaining 14 celebrities will return to the ballroom next weekend, where another star will be booted from the show.

Meanwhile, Mr Skinner and Ms Dowden will appear on Strictly’s sister show, It Takes Two, on Monday to discuss their time on the programme.