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Strictly hopeful Thomas Skinner’s future on the BBC dance programme was in doubt last night after he stormed out of a press launch for the latest season.
The Apprentice star, who faced online criticism for meeting US Vice President JD Vance while he was in the UK, took exception to his interviews being taped.
Following his meltdown at the BBC studios in Elstree, Hertfordshire, bosses were locked in crisis talks over Skinner’s further involvement in the show.
One BBC insider said: ‘What Tom did was a disgrace. It’s normal for interviews of this nature to be taped. He totally overreacted.’
A female journalist had asked Skinner why he was taking part in Strictly when he noticed he was being recorded and bellowed: ‘What’s that?’
He picked up the journalist’s phone from the table, prompting the woman to ask him: ‘What are you doing? Can you answer the question? We have only got three minutes. I’m just recording him.’
Skinner, 34, told the table of journalists: ‘I’m not doing this’, and fled despite bosses trying to placate him.
His outburst came on the same day BBC Director-General Tim Davie endorsed having him on the show.
Speaking to MPs, Mr Davie said: ‘We wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale… But that’s not the case here, from what I know.’
A corporation spokesman said: ‘The BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.’
Insiders told the Daily Mail that The Apprentice star, 34, only took part in two interviews before exiting the event held at Elstree Studios, leaving organisers furious.
Thomas was sitting next to former Chelsea star and fellow Strictly contestant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he fled.
A source said: ‘This is exactly what Strictly did not need. With all the recent controversy, bosses wanted this series to be smooth sailing but Thomas is already causing havoc.
‘It’s unprecedented for a celebrity to walk out of the show’s media launch day and bosses think it’s really bad form.
‘If this is a sign of things to come, Strictly has a big problem.’
Thomas took to Instagram on Monday and told fans he’d had his first day of rehearsals with his professional dance partner and it went swimmingly.
‘I’ve just got back from my first day dancing with my partner. I’m not allowed to say who I’ve been partnered up with yet but I’ve gotta say, I loved it today,’ he said.
‘First day dancing, I wasn’t great at the moves and it was hard to remember them but I didn’t stop laughing. Me and my partner were in hysterics. The crew and the contestants are brilliant, such good people.’
In the caption, he added: ‘Honestly enjoyed it so much more than I thought and me and my partner did not stop laughing all day! It is such a good experience and I’m fully surrendering to Strictly.
‘Also [his son] Henry wanted to show you all his Sea Monkies that are getting nice and big. Hope you had a great start to the week! Bosh.’
Meanwhile, Thomas has insisted that the Left-wing flak is unfair.
He told the Daily Mail last month: ‘I’m not Right-wing.
‘People are like sheep and just started saying it because I got invited to go to a BBQ with JD Vance and I posted a picture with him.
‘Who is gonna turn down an opportunity to meet the second most powerful man in the world?’
And in a message for his critics he said: ‘Some people will hate you without ever really knowing you – and that’s okay.
‘I wish them well. We’re all different, and not everyone will see life the same way.
‘If their anger or bitterness has to go somewhere, I’d rather they throw it at me than ruin someone else’s day. I can take it.’
The entrepreneur has spent the past few weeks getting in shape for the BBC One dance series, which he says is his mum’s ‘favourite show’, and insisted he’s doing it for the ‘pint-drinking, kebab-eating dads out there with beer bellies’.
Yet Thomas was a surprise pick for the upcoming series.
Since making his name on the 2019 series of The Apprentice, his only other notable TV appearance was on Celebrity MasterChef the following year.
Known for his ‘Bosh’ catchphrase, Thomas has billed himself as a ‘modern day Del Boy’ and has attracted legions of social media followers courtesy of his early motivational speeches from his favourite cafe.
Before finding fame, Thomas landed himself in trouble with the police in 2011 for handling stolen goods.
He was charged with dishonestly handling 4,992 tubes of Body Shop cleansing gels worth nearly £40,000 and 2,000 diazepam tablets.
In February, he brought up his past misdemeanours after coming under fire from trolls for witnessing a robbery at a Greggs.
He slammed the individuals for stealing while wearing designer clothes – and furiously asked ‘what’s happening’ to the country, before social media users reminded him of his own criminal past and branded him a ‘hypocrite’.
Hitting back on X, he wrote: ‘Still finding it mad that people are actually having a go at me on Twitter because I pointed out that Greggs got robbed whilst I was in there. And then bringing up my past.
‘Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it.’
He continued: ‘I never had my own bedroom at one point when I was younger and slept on a pull out bed on the floor.
‘I never had any money or had anything given to me on a plate, yet I turned my life around. I go around schools/colleges/universities telling my story hoping I can inspire others.’
He added: ‘I’m no hero. I’m just a hard worker. I’ve made mistakes, in fact more than most, who hasn’t made one? I now try to spread positivity.
‘I’ve been stabbed when I was younger because of what I got up to and that’s why I try help with my knife crime campaign at my gym.
‘People need to get in the real world and see that there is a problem in this country. And we can fix it if we stick together. Bosh.’
Last month, Thomas moaned about his wealth not being on par with other reality stars he follows on social media in a tweet which was quickly deleted.
He ranted: ‘How do all these celebrities have loads of money? You don’t get bundles of dough for TV or adverts etc (well I don’t)…
‘But I look on Instagram and they’re always in this gaff or posting in a new motor.
‘I finished me Strictly stuff earlier today and I’m now out in my van delivering mattresses. Do I need to be part of a special club now on the tele [sic] that’s gives ya unlimited monies.’
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
