'Amy Dowden and Tom Skinner's Strictly match surprised me but one thing changed my mind'

Strictly Come Dancingmade its long awaited comeback on Saturday night following months of scandals and drama. It seemed like the hit BBC dance competition was ready to get into action without any more hiccups as they secured 15 fresh celebrities.

However, the signing of controversial Apprentice star Thomas Skinnercertainly threw caution to the wind as he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Thomas stormed out of press launch for the show and later admitted to having an affair just weeks after marrying his wife Sinead.

On Saturday his Strictly pairing was revealed, with beloved professional dancer Amy Dowden taking on the task.Many viewerstook issue with the match as Thomas' controversy casts a shadow on Amy's return following her cancer treatment and foot injury.

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Former Strictly pro Vincent Simone was among those taken aback by the pairing as he pointed out the clear differences between them. He says: “I was really surprised when Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner were paired together.

"Thomas is a proper lads’ lad, and Amy Dowden is super elegant and classy." However, Vincent adds: "When I saw them together, though, I changed my mind. I think it can work and be fun, and the producers did a great job there. I think they're going to be a great pairing.”

The dancer, who starred on Strictly from 2006 to 2012, says of this year's cast: “If I had to pick my favourite right now, it would be Alex Kingston.

"I think she’ll do well – she's elegant, and she’s been in the business, she’s a proper woman. I think La Voix is going to be amazing and entertaining too."

This year's stars hit the dancefloor for the first time on Saturday, giving fans a glimpse into their abilities so far. Vincent shares: “The celebrities all look well gelled together – it's crazy, even more than the professionals are.

"At this stage of the competition, everyone is scared but so keen to start working – it's hard to tell who is the best fit now! La Voix looks like she’s going to be amazing with Aljaž, and Lewis Cope will be good with Katya Jones.

"I also like Vicky Pattison – I just love her character, and her partner Kai Waddington is one of my friends. Together, they’ll be good. Alex [Kingston] and Jo [Radebe] look like they’re going to have great chemistry together too.”

Professional dancer Dianne Buswell is making history as the first pro to compete while pregnant. She announced her happy news earlier this month with YouTube star partner Joe Suggs, who she met on the show.

Vincent gave his verdict on how she will be able to perform as he tells Paddy Power Games on behalf of the Mirror : “It’s always good to have a first – there's so many firsts that have happened on Strictly, as we know. I’m really happy for Dianne Buswell.

"She is paired with Stefan Dennis, and I don’t think they will be doing too many acrobatic dances. It’ll be more focused on the elegant side of the dancing, which is perfect for her at this stage of her pregnancy.”

Addressing Strictly's future, Vincent says: "People love it, and I think it will go on for another 10 years at least.”

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