Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tom Skinner has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his early exit from the show, confirming he will not attend tonight's live final and making serious claims about the competition's voting process.
The Bombshell Statement: Voting Irregularities and Anonymous Emails
In a detailed post on X, the businessman and first celebrity eliminated this series broke his silence on reports he was planning to sue the BBC. Skinner revealed his decision to skip the final came after he received an anonymous email purportedly from a BBC executive. The email contained statistics suggesting he had received far more public votes than was indicated by the show's results.
"I've since had the email independently verified," Skinner stated, adding that when he requested to see the official voting figures to compare, he was told they "couldn't be shown" to him and never have been in the show's history.
He emphasised that seeking legal advice was not his idea, but was recommended by the BBC's own welfare team due to the perceived unfairness. "This was not my idea," he wrote.
'Coincidental' Exits and Political Backlash
Skinner's statement took a surprising turn as he connected his situation to subsequent high-profile departures from the BBC. He noted that a very senior BBC figure has since resigned, and that main hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their stepping down the following week.
"I'm not saying that had anything to do with me," he carefully stated, "but it did feel bizarre... It's just all very coincidental."
The former contestant also addressed media portrayal of him as a political figure, linking it to his summer meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. He insisted he is "not a political bloke" and was baffled that the BBC would be "angry and nervous" about the connection.
Alleged Leaks and a Stolen Gift
Skinner expressed frustration that private matters became national news, suggesting a leak within the corporation. He referenced a private Zoom call with BBC executives on Wednesday night that was reported by Thursday morning. "That tells me there's been a leak. Because it ain't come from me," he said, hinting the source could be the same person who sent the anonymous email.
He also cited smaller incidents that compounded his unease, including a welcome gift for all contestants that was the only one to be "stolen". "On its own, it's nothing... but added to everything else, it felt strange," he explained.
Moving On: Fish Stalls and Family
Despite the furore, Skinner stressed he holds no bitterness towards the show or his fellow contestants. He confirmed he sought the blessing of his professional partner, Amy Dowden, before deciding not to attend the final, calling her a "good friend".
He wished all the finalists the best, acknowledging their hard work, before signing off with a return to his roots: "As for me I've got fish to sell on my stall and a family I love more than anything. Thank you for the love as Always. Bosh."
The statement, posted on 20 December 2025, concludes a tumultuous series for Skinner, who entered the show "buzzing" in April but leaves amid claims of unfairness and a cloud of controversy surrounding the BBC's flagship entertainment programme.
