Former Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner has reportedly initiated legal proceedings against the BBC, alleging the broadcaster rigged the public vote to ensure his early elimination from the hit Saturday night show.
The Allegations and Legal Battle
The reality TV personality, who found fame on The Apprentice, was the first celebrity to be voted off the 2025 series alongside his professional partner, Amy Dowden. While he appeared gracious in defeat during the live broadcast on 19 December 2025, it is now claimed Skinner is pursuing a bitter legal battle. He alleges the BBC interfered with the voting process to remove him from the competition prematurely, a move he believes was prompted by the significant controversy surrounding his casting.
Skinner asserts he possesses evidence that the public vote was 'tampered with'. The show's results combine judges' scores from the initial two weeks with viewer votes. A source told The Sun: "Thomas is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it. He is determined to see it through, but there’s no way the BBC will take this sensational claim lying down."
A Controversial Strictly Journey
Skinner's participation in Strictly was mired in controversy from the outset. His announcement in the line-up was met with immediate backlash from fans on social media, who felt the BBC had made a poor choice.
Further scrutiny followed due to several factors:
- Political Stances: He publicly backed Donald Trump and was pictured with Republican JD Vance, angering some viewers.
- Criminal Past: It re-emerged that Skinner had a 2011 conviction for handling stolen goods worth an estimated £40,000.
- Press Conference Meltdown: During a promotional event, he snatched a journalist's mobile phone after seeing personal messages about his past on the screen. He later apologised, stating he was "caught off guard".
- Admitted Affair: Skinner publicly confessed to an affair weeks after marrying his wife, Sinead, in 2022. His alleged mistress, Amy-Lucy O'Rourke, contested his version of events, claiming it was a sustained relationship.
Following his debut dance, which critics panned, some viewers called for him to be eliminated. He ultimately faced the dance-off and was sent home.
BBC's Robust Defence
The BBC has firmly denied any wrongdoing. A spokesman told The Mirror: "Strictly Come Dancing's public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy."
The source speaking to The Sun added that the corporation would "robustly defend any kinds of claims that the voting was rigged or fixed." This sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal dispute between the former contestant and the national broadcaster.
The fallout from Skinner's brief and tumultuous time on Strictly continues, now moving from the dance floor to the courtroom.
