Thomas Skinner has disclosed the fee he is receiving for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing 2025, describing the opportunity as an “absolute honour.” The Apprentice star, 34, said he is getting “ten grand” for the show, but insisted he would do it for “a tenner.” His BBC publicist later clarified that the figure should not be taken as his full fee.
Skinner made headlines earlier this week after walking out of a press event at Elstree Studios. He had been taking part in interviews with fellow contestants when he abruptly left the room, reportedly after only two interviews. In a statement on Instagram Stories, he explained that he had spotted private messages on a journalist’s phone during one of the interviews, which referenced a personal matter from his past.
“In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself,” Skinner wrote. He apologised for picking up the phone and stressed that the incident was not related to the interviews or Strictly itself. The BBC has not commented further on the matter.
On the same day, BBC director general Tim Davie defended Skinner’s place in the competition amid complaints over his inclusion. Asked about it, Davie told reporters: “That was not my decision, that was the production team. Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale… but that’s not the case here.”
