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Strictly Come Dancing stars are reportedly supporting Thomas Skinner amid accusations from fans that bosses ‘want him out first’.
The Apprentice star, 34, is one of this year’s controversial signings for the BBC show, with viewers previously calling for him to be axed from the lineup.
Skinner started his stint in the competition on a bad footing when he grabbed a journalist’s phone (before handing it back) and stormed out of an interview during the annual press day.
He then admitted having an affair on his wife Sinead in an emotional interview.
Thomas confessed to Daily Mail’s Katie Hind last week that the cheating scandal has been ‘awful for my poor wife to read it all’ as he came clean on the affair.
However, he put on a brave face as he hit the dance floor with Amy Dowden on Saturday night.
For this week, Thomas will be dancing a Salsa to ‘Bonkers’ by Dizzee Rascal.
The Sun report Strictly fans are convinced bosses ‘want him out first’ forcing the other stars to rally around him.
An insider told the publication: ‘Tom is just your average person who’s been flung into a frenzy of hate ever since signing up to Strictly.
‘He’s rising above it all, but of course it would get anyone down.
‘That’s why the support from his Strictly co-stars has meant so much to him.
‘Tom has turned out to be one of the most popular members of the cast – and they’re all very protective of him.’
The insider added that Tom is focusing on his training and soaking up the entire experience.
A Strictly source said: ‘It’s bonkers to suggest that dancing to a multi-platinum number one single is any sort of disadvantage.’
Daily Mail has contacted Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Tom praised his ‘little cancer warrior’ Amy Dowden as he shared a new Instagram post on Wednesday raising awareness for breast cancer.
Professional dancer Amy, 35, was diagnosed with disease in May 2023 and underwent treatment including a mastectomy before being given the all clear by doctors in February 2024.
Tom revealed that he once ‘painted my nails pink’ six years ago to help raise awareness for breast cancer.
He then gushed that his dance partner Amy is a ‘living legend’ and also reminded men that they can also get the disease and should check their breasts.
Alongside a picture of him holding up his pink nails, he wrote: ‘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 to. Make sure to check your breasts. Stay safe everyone and love you all. Bosh’.
Amy was quick to take to the comments to thank her partner for the support before they continued learning their next Strictly Come Dancing routine.
She replied: ‘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’
