Former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has publicly addressed swirling allegations that he is preparing to sue the BBC, following claims the Strictly Come Dancing vote was rigged during his time on the show. The businessman, who left the competition earlier in the series, took to social media platform X to set the record straight and reveal startling new details.
The Shocking Anonymous Email
Skinner explained that on the night he was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing, he received a disturbing anonymous email. The message purported to be from a senior BBC executive and contained detailed statistics. These figures allegedly showed that Skinner had received significantly more votes from the public than was reflected in the show's results. "It wasn't right," Skinner stated, summarising the email's claim.
The reality TV personality confirmed he has since taken steps to verify the correspondence. "I've since had the email independently verified," he revealed, adding a layer of seriousness to the allegations. This verification process suggests the claims are being treated with utmost gravity, potentially forming the basis for further action.
Skinner's Statement and Support for Amy Dowden
In his post, Skinner began by confirming he would not be attending the Strictly final, which was held on Saturday, 20th December 2025. His first concern, however, was for his professional dance partner. He made a point of stating he had spoken with Amy Dowden to ensure she was comfortable with his absence. He praised Dowden, calling her a "good person and a good friend now," and emphasised, "I'd never let her down."
Skinner also reflected on his initial excitement about joining the show back in April. He admitted he was "buzzing" at the opportunity, not because of any dancing prowess—"I can't," he quipped—but because he wanted to challenge himself and learn something completely new outside his comfort zone.
Broader Implications for the BBC
These allegations, if proven, could have severe repercussions for the BBC and the integrity of one of its most cherished flagship programmes. Strictly Come Dancing's results are based on a combination of judges' scores and public votes, and any suggestion of manipulation strikes at the heart of its credibility. The claims of a "rigged" vote threaten to undermine public trust in the competition's fairness.
While Skinner has broken his silence on the reports of legal action, he has not explicitly confirmed a lawsuit is underway. His statement serves to publicly acknowledge the controversy and the verified email, leaving the door open for potential next steps. The BBC is yet to issue a formal response to these specific allegations made by Skinner on social media.
The situation remains developing, with fans and industry observers watching closely to see if this public statement precedes formal legal proceedings against the broadcaster.
