Dowden has been candid about her wish to get back on the dance floor following her diagnosis with breast cancer two years ago.
She made a return to Strictly in 2024 but had to pull out midway through the series due to an injury.
Speaking on Saturday night, she said winning the glitterball would have been “amazing”, but added: “What I’ve learnt in the last few years is happiness, health and being alive is more important than anything.”
Addressing Skinner, she went on to say: “The last three years as you know have been quite difficult 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 night’s live show, Skinner – sporting a clingy, sparkly vest top – hoisted Dowden up so often during their routine, judge Craig Revel Horwood joked it looked more like a weightlifting competition.
They scored 13 points, placing them at the bottom of this week’s leaderboard.
Scores from week one and two were added to the public vote to decide which couples should face the dance-off.