Strictly Come Dancing Sees First Elimination After Low Scores and Public Vote
Amy Dowden and her partner Giovanni Skinner became the first couple eliminated from the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, following a combination of low judges’ scores and a public vote. Dowden, who returned to the show this year after a battle with breast cancer and a mid-series injury in 2024, expressed gratitude for the experience despite the outcome.
The elimination comes after Dowden and Skinner received a score of 13 points – the lowest of the week – and landed at the bottom of the leaderboard.This score was combined with their results from the previous two weeks and put to a public vote, ultimately deciding their fate. Dowden has been candid about her wish to get back on the dance floor following her diagnosis with breast cancer two years ago.
“Winning the glitterball would have been amazing,” Dowden said after the announcement, “but what I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more importent than anything.” She also directed heartfelt thanks to Skinner, stating, “The last three years as you know have been quite challenging 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.”
During Saturday’s live show,judge Craig Revel Horwood playfully remarked that Skinner’s frequent lifting of Dowden during their routine resembled a weightlifting competition. The couple will now leave the competition, while the remaining contestants will continue to vie for the coveted glitterball trophy.
