The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner ‘stormed out’ of an interview for Strictly Come Dancing today.
Last month the BBC announced the full line-up for the upcoming season of the long-running dance series.
However, many were left incensed by the inclusion of Skinner, 34, who in recent years has come under fire for making comments including that it ‘was not far-right’ to be ‘flying your flag and loving your country’.
The TV star and businessman has also previously said that London was ‘hostile’, ‘tense’ and ‘not safe out there anymore’.
However, while taking part in a press event to promote the series today, hereportedly made an abrupt departure.
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Metro was present at the press day, and was informed that Skinner only took part in two interviews before ‘storming out’ of the event held at Elstree Studios.
The Daily Mail has also claimed that his actions ‘left organisers furious and BBC bosses in crisis talks over whether he should remain on the show’.
At one point, Skinner is said to have picked up a journalist’s phone from the table, before they eventually got it back from him.
A source told the publication: ‘This is exactly what Strictly did not need. With all the recent controversy, bosses wanted this series to be smooth sailing, but Tom 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 have a big problem.’
It’s been reported that the BBC is now ‘having crisis meetings’ about whether Skinner should remain on the show.
This incident occurred on the same day that the broadcaster’s boss Tim Davie defended his inclusion on the series.
‘That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people…who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience,’ he said.
‘Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn’t accept them.
‘But that’s not the case here, from what I know, I’m not an expert on the individual, per se.’
Last month Skinner met US vice president JD Vance, while he was on holiday in the Cotswolds.
During the 2024 United States presidential election, Skinner expressed support for Republican candidate Donald Trump. I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that’s my opinion. I think it’s good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy,’ he said.
Since appearing on The Apprentice in 2019, Skinner has also appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain, Faking It, and Celebrity MasterChef.
He’s also been open about his past, which includes a conviction for handling £40,000 worth of stolen goods in 2011.
When Skinner was revealed as part of the Strictly line-up, he released a statement, which read: ‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!’
‘I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Metro has contacted the BBC and representatives for Thomas Skinner for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
