Strictly's Thomas Skinner issues cancer warning in emotional message

Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has shared a touching message to his professional partner Amy Dowden who has bravely shared her battle with breast cancer. Thomas posted a throwback picture of himself with pink nail polish from six years ago, explaining how it was part of a campaign to raise awareness for the deadly disease. He then linked the memory to his current pairing with Amy, who recently announced she is in remission, while issuing a warning of his own.

He told fans: "This picture just came up on my phone from 6 years ago when I painted my nails pink to help raise awareness for breast cancer. Now 6 years later I'm dancing on Strictly Come Dancing with my little Cancer warrior @amy_dowden who has battled breast cancer and helped raise awareness. She honestly is a living legend. Just a reminder to anyone; fellas can get it too. Make sure to check your breasts. Stay safe everyone and love you all. Bosh."

Amy replied warmly in the comments: "Thanks partner for all your support! These kind lovely words! Now let's have a great time on Lorraine then work hard and have another day of fun in the dance studio xxx."

Fans also praised The Apprentice star, with one writing: "Brilliant post, especially saying about men as so many are unaware they can get it."

The post came after a stormy weekend for Thomas, who faced a rough reception following his debut on the dancefloor.

The businessman, who performed a paso doble with Amy, scored just 12 points from the judges, including only two from head judge Craig Revel Horwood. Viewers piled in on social media, with some branding him "one of the worst dancers" they had seen.

In a lengthy statement, Thomas accused the media of deliberately targeting him. He said: "The hate frenzy they've created towards me is insane. There is hardly any truth in the majority of the articles.

"Now I understand why people in the public eye just say and do what they're told... because they'll get buried if they don't, just like they're trying to do to me. I will always stand up for what is right."

The 33-year-old insisted that much of what had been written about him was "massively exaggerated" or presented in a way designed to "make me look bad."

He added: "In fact, all I've ever done is put into the UK economy, employ people, support local businesses, spread positivity, work bloody hard and try to make others believe in themselves by spreading love and positivity online."

Despite the backlash, Thomas vowed to continue giving the show everything he has: "I'm gonna keep on trying my best and I don't care if people like it or not. I am proud of who I am and so grateful for all of you in my corner."