Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding, according to reports. The former Apprentice star, 34, told the Sun on Sunday he had a “fling” with an “attractive” single mother who gave him a free cosmetic treatment after they met in a pub.
The woman is said to be Amy-Lucy O’Rourke, 35, and the affair occurred three and a half years ago. Skinner, who has three children with his wife, said in a video interview: “I’m just so lucky that she forgave me. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she were to never speak to me again.” He described the incident as a “moment of madness” and a “mistake”.
Skinner added that the aftermath was “a very, very dark time”, but said the couple are now in “an incredible place” and have moved on. He advised anyone who has made a mistake to “be honest and own up to it”.
However, a spokeswoman for Ms O’Rourke disputed Skinner’s account, stating: “She did not have a fling with Mr Skinner, she had a relationship with him.”
The admission comes after Skinner walked out of a Strictly press event earlier this week, reportedly after seeing messages about his past on a journalist’s phone. He has also faced criticism for previous social media posts on issues including national identity and safety in London.
Skinner will join fellow contestants including Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein when the show returns later this year.
