Former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has let slip the extraordinary lengths Strictly Come Dancing goes to in order to protect its secrets, revealing that contestants are effectively 'locked in a room' to prevent any leaks before the live broadcasts.
The charismatic businessman, who became a fan favourite on the 2019 series of the hit BBC dance show, made the startling revelation during a casual chat on his podcast, Help I Sexted My Boss. He explained that the production team takes secrecy to extreme levels, especially concerning which dances the celebrities will perform each week.
The Strictly Lockdown Protocol
Skinner detailed the intense process, stating that the show's producers implement a strict lockdown to ensure no information escapes before the Saturday night live show.
"They lock you in a room on a Tuesday," he confessed to his co-host and listeners. "They lock you in a room and you're not allowed to tell anyone what dance you're doing."
This drastic measure highlights the immense pressure and secrecy surrounding one of the UK's most-watched television programmes. The fear of spoilers revealing the weekly dance routines or song choices is taken incredibly seriously by the production team.
A Culture of Secrecy and Security
Skinner's anecdote provides a rare glimpse into the highly controlled environment backstage at Strictly. It's not just about memorising steps and perfecting the foxtrot; contestants must also become masters of discretion.
His comments confirm long-standing rumours about the show's tight security, designed to maintain the element of surprise for its millions of dedicated viewers. This culture of secrecy ensures that the magic and anticipation of the live reveal remain intact every weekend.
The revelation has sparked amusement and surprise among fans, offering a new appreciation for the discipline required of the celebrities beyond just their dancing abilities.
