Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein Arrive for Strictly Rehearsals Amid Thomas Skinner’s ‘Woke’ Critique

The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 were seen for the first time since the full line-up was announced as they headed for rehearsals on Friday.

The group, led by the likes of Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein, appeared in great spirits as they rocked up at a studio for their first full day of training.

Amongst the celebrities gearing up for practice was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who earlier in the day had hit back at ‘woke’ critics complaining of his signing to the show. 

Critics had demanded the BBC revoke his invite to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025 because he met JD Vance, with some Strictly fans bombarding the Beeb with complaints and vowing to boycott the show.

Taking to X on Friday, Thomas, 34, addressed the backlash, penning: ‘Some call me “controversial,” but I think it’s just a dig at normal, hard-working people if I’m honest. But we don’t let that stop us. We keep going, we look out for each other, and we use it to drive us forward.’

The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 were seen for the first time since the full line-up was announced as they headed for rehearsals on Friday [Dani Dyer pictured]

The group, led by the likes of Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein [pictured], appeared in great spirits as they rocked up at a studio for their first full day of training

Amongst the celebrities gearing up for practice was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner [right], who earlier in the day had hit back at ‘woke’ critics complaining of his signing to the show

In his message, he shared his excitement as heading filming Strictly for the first time, noting he was ‘proud as anything’, before  thanking his fans for their support.

Thomas also revealed he has to ‘keep the wheels’ and work as he’s got three kids and a wife to support, before cheerfully signing off and inviting anyone local to have ‘a pint’ with him later.

The businessman flashed a dazzling smile as she climbed out of his car and joined his fellow stars for the start of their Strictly journey.