Strictly Come Dancing's Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden branded 'most head-scratching pairing' by body-language expert

Strictly Come Dancing's latest pairing, Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, has been branded the show's 'most head-scratching pairing ever' by body-language expert Judi James after Saturday's launch show. James told Paddy Power Games that the dynamic raised questions for viewers, pointing to Dowden's return to the competition on a full-time basis and Skinner's public history as elements that make their partnership notable. The assessment centers on what James describes as a mismatch between Dowden's warmth and Skinner's on-camera posture, with supporters and skeptics weighing in as the season begins.

Dowden, 35, has returned to the BBC series on a full-time basis after injury curtailed her 2024 comeback, and she has moved back to health following a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in May 2023. Skinner, 34, has been the subject of headlines for personal reasons, including a high-profile admission that he cheated on his wife Sinéad weeks after their May 2022 wedding. An interview with Amy-Lucy O'Rourke, described in the Daily Mail as a former secret mistress, alleged a three-month affair in which Skinner was said to be in love with her and unhappy in his marriage. The combination of Dowden's stand-out status and Skinner's off-screen history has driven much of the early conversation around the pairing.

James went on to describe what she perceived as a disconnect between the two during the first outing: Skinner reportedly carried a forward, even alpha posture when first meeting Dowden, but the body language later appeared more guarded. She highlighted elements such as an eye-dart that could signal camera-focused attention and a walk down the stairs that suggested effortful movements, while noting Dowden sat with her legs crossed in a barriered pose. The expert described Skinner's pelvic thrust in the routine as a moment that might not translate well to a smooth maiden voyage on the dance floor. James framed the pairing as emblematic of what she called a 'pre-emptive approach' to what fans have dubbed the strict curse, with viewers torn between cheering for Dowden and questioning whether Skinner will deliver on the dance floor.

Despite the headlines, Dowden has publicly embraced the partnership. On Instagram, she posted a photo with Skinner and wrote that she and her partner were excited and ready for the first live show, adding that Skinner was working hard and they were laughing a lot as they prepared for the season ahead. Skinner replied with a similar message, sharing behind-the-scenes footage and calling Dowden an 'absolute legend' while noting that he looked forward to continuing their Strictly journey and posting more content from rehearsals. The posts underscored Dowden's resilience and commitment as she returns to the screen after health challenges, and they offered a contrast to the more sensational headlines surrounding Skinner's personal life.

Fans reacted with mixed sentiment. Some commenters expressed disappointment, writing that Dowden deserved a partner with stronger dance credentials or a more compatible public image. Others offered support for Dowden and encouraged Skinner to prove the doubters wrong on the dance floor. A portion of the discourse focused on Dowden's recovery story and her status as a beloved figure on the show, while critics questioned whether the pairing would meet audience expectations for a competitive title run.

On his own social channels, Skinner shared a behind-the-scenes video and a message to followers describing the experience as an honor and promising ongoing updates from rehearsals. The surrounding controversy has not deterred Dowden, who has framed the season as an opportunity to showcase hard work, teamwork, and positivity, reinforcing her role as a steadying presence on the show.

The 2025 Strictly lineup includes a diverse group of celebrities ranging from Olympic athletes to actors and reality TV stars. Among them are Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, La Voix, Vicky Pattison, Karen Carney, George Clark, Dani Dyer, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw, Stefan Dennis, Ross King, and Lewis Cope, with Skinner himself among the cast. The roster reflects the federation's effort to blend dance prowess with broad public appeal as the show enters another new season.

In the wake of the launch, Skinner and Dowden's dynamic is likely to remain a talking point as audiences tune in to see whether the partnership evolves beyond initial misgivings. The show has a long history of pairing performers with strong public profiles, and this season's conversations suggest that Dowden's return will be read through the lens of her health comeback and her long-standing popularity, while Skinner's personal history continues to shape public perception of his performance on the ballroom floor. Viewers will be watching closely to see if the duo can translate early body-language analysis into confident, staged performances that resonate with fans and critics alike, and whether Dowden's experience can help guide Skinner toward more fluid, technically strong routines. As the competition unfolds, both partners will have opportunities to respond to the chatter and demonstrate their versatility on Strictly Come Dancing's renowned dance floor.