In a revelation that has left fans both heartbroken and furious, former The Apprentice favourite Thomas Skinner has disclosed that his dream of trading the boardroom for the ballroom has been abruptly ended by BBC bosses.
The charismatic entrepreneur, who won the nation's heart in the 2019 series of Lord Sugar's reality show, had publicly campaigned for a spot on the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. His hopes were high, with a significant fanbase rallying behind him on social media.
The Dream is Over
However, in a candid social media video, Skinner delivered the disappointing news. "I got a message from the BBC to say I'm not doing it this year," he shared with his followers, his signature optimism notably dimmed. The decision appears to be final, with Skinner adding a definitive, "So that's it."
The announcement has triggered a wave of support and confusion from his dedicated followers. Many questioned the BBC's choice, arguing that Skinner's infectious personality and clear enthusiasm made him the perfect candidate to bring joy and entertainment to the Saturday night staple.
A Political Connection and Fan Backlash
Adding an unexpected layer to the story, Skinner was recently spotted alongside US Senator and former Trump VP pick JD Vance during his UK tour. This high-profile meeting did little to quell the rumours of his reality TV return, making the BBC's rejection all the more surprising to the public.
The backlash was immediate and vocal across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Comments ranged from expressions of sheer disappointment to outright criticism of the producers' decision, with many labelling it a "massive mistake" and a missed opportunity for the show.
For now, Skinner's dancing shoes will remain in the closet, leaving viewers to wonder what glittering magic he might have brought to the Strictly ballroom this autumn.
