Former The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner has declared he 'really regrets' appearing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, as he seeks legal advice over explosive claims that show bosses rigged the public vote to ensure his early exit.
Controversy and Claims of a Fixed Vote
The 34-year-old businessman, already a controversial signing due to his outspoken right-wing views, found himself at the centre of a further storm after confessing to cheating on his wife Sinead shortly after their wedding. However, the latest row centres on the integrity of the Strictly competition itself.
In a since-deleted statement reported by The Mirror, Skinner admitted he was 'not perfect' and had 'made mistakes', but insisted he was convinced the votes were manipulated. He claims to have received an anonymous email from an alleged BBC executive containing evidence that he received far more public votes than was indicated.
Skinner and his professional partner, Amy Dowden, scored just 29 out of 80 over two shows, landing in the bottom two with former rugby player Chris Robshaw, who was saved by the judges. Skinner was the first celebrity eliminated from the 2024 series.
Legal Advice and a BBC Backlash
Despite pulling out of Saturday's live final—which was won by Lioness Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu—Skinner claims he remains on 'good terms' with the BBC. He stated the only positive from his stint was befriending Amy Dowden.
He revealed he sought legal counsel on the advice of the BBC's own welfare team after presenting them with the anonymous email, which he says has been independently verified. Skinner alleges he requested the official voting figures to compare with the data he received but was told they are never disclosed.
The BBC has issued a robust defence of its voting process. A spokesperson stated: 'Strictly Come Dancing's public vote is independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy every week. Any claims to the contrary are entirely without foundation. Unfortunately, despite requests for it, Mr Skinner is yet to share the email he references with anyone from the BBC so we are unable to comment on it.'
PromoVeritas, the company that independently verifies the Strictly vote, also confirmed: 'All votes are independently and comprehensively verified by two auditors. We can confirm that all votes received are validated. This has been the case every week.'
A Year of 'Negative Attention' and Moving On
In a lengthy post on X, Skinner expressed his frustration, stating he felt targeted. He cited smaller incidents, like being the only contestant whose welcome gift was allegedly stolen, which compounded his suspicions.
He also made reference to high-profile BBC departures, noting that 'a very senior BBC figure has since resigned' and the main hosts stepped down shortly after, while clarifying he was not claiming direct responsibility, merely pointing out the 'coincidence'.
'I wish I'd never done it,' Skinner said of his Strictly experience. 'The only positive to come from it was making a new friend in Amy... Aside from that, it's brought a huge amount of negative attention, and it has affected me more than I'd like to admit.'
He concluded by stating his focus is now on his family and his work, famously declaring, 'I've got fish to sell on my stall.' Despite the legal dispute, Skinner is still scheduled to appear in the BBC's Celebrity Apprentice Specials this Christmas.
The controversy emerges as the BBC faces another high-profile legal challenge, a £7.5 billion lawsuit from former US President Donald Trump over a doctored speech in a Panorama episode. A source told The Sun: 'The BBC is already facing a £7.5billion lawsuit from Donald Trump – now Thomas, a friend of Vice President JD Vance, is taking them on too.'
