Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and businessman Thomas Skinner was seen breaking down in tears during a poignant moment on the latest episode of Celebrity Apprentice. The 34-year-old, who first appeared on the business reality show in 2019, became overwhelmed with emotion while being interviewed by Lord Alan Sugar and his aides, Baroness Karren Brady and Mike Soutar.
A Flood of Emotion on Return to the Boardroom
Skinner, who joined the celebrity edition for Children In Need, found himself reflecting on his journey from being an "ordinary man" six years ago to returning as a recognised face. As he stood before the formidable panel, which included fellow celebrities like AJ Odudu and Jake Wood, his composure cracked.
"Are you crying?" Baroness Brady asked him directly. Skinner, visibly emotional, replied through tears: "It’s just, I’ve done this show six years ago, and this show changed my life. And I’m back here." He struggled to hold back his feelings as he contemplated the profound impact the programme had on his personal and professional trajectory.
The moment was briefly lightened when Lord Sugar made a joke, causing Thomas to giggle through his tears, showcasing the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced in the boardroom.
From Paper Rounds to Lapland Gingerbread
The episode saw the celebrities tasked with a festive challenge: producing and marketing gingerbread biscuits in Lapland. Skinner's renowned work ethic, noted in his original bio which highlighted his paper round at 12 and market selling at 16, was on full display.
Fellow contestant Angela Scanlon from The One Show praised his dedication, revealing: "Tom was great – good fun and up very early in the morning. He was making calls at 4 am from Lapland to try and sell those biscuits, before they were even out of the oven." She did, however, humorously question his acting skills in their team's commercial.
Emotional Strain Follows Strictly Controversy
This vulnerable television appearance comes just weeks after a period of significant public strain for Skinner. Following his early exit from Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, he posted a furious statement on social media, admitting he "wished he never done Strictly".
He cited a relentless wave of criticism, backlash over social media activity—including a selfie with US Vice President JD Vance—and the intense scrutiny surrounding his partnership with pro dancer Amy Dowden. He also faced reports that one of his firms had not repaid a £50,000 Covid bounce back loan.
In his online outburst, Skinner expressed feeling targeted and exhausted by constant abuse, stating he was "struggling" and needed to focus on his family. The raw emotion displayed on Celebrity Apprentice, therefore, appears to be part of a broader narrative of a public figure grappling with the intense pressures of fame and a tarnished public perception, seeking redemption through a return to the show that first made his name.
