Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden has called her celebrity partner Thomas Skinner “lovely” amid outcry from the show’s viewers. After the launch show aired on Saturday (20 September), Dowden said it had been nice getting to know Skinner, whom she called “really lovely, bubbly and full of life”. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementShe also thanked Skinner for a great week of rehearsals and said she has been laughing lots in his company. Dowden continued: “Thanks for a great week and so looking forward to our Strictly journey ahead! Let’s do this.”Amy Dowden calls ‘Strictly’ partner Thomas Skinner ‘lovely’ (Istagram)The dancer’s post arrived after viewers decried her pairing with Skinner, whose appearance on the show has been met with derision.