Former The Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner has publicly addressed his controversial exit from Strictly Come Dancing and his subsequent discussions with the BBC. The businessman appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, speaking candidly to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.
Addressing the Finale Absence and Media Storm
Skinner, who was partnered with professional dancer Amy Dowden in the 2025 series, was notably absent from the show's live final last month. He explained his decision was driven by a desire to protect his family from further intense media scrutiny. "I thought, I've had all this bad press, I've been front page every time I've been on the show, I didn't want to take away from everyone else," he stated.
He described a relentless press campaign that saw journalists outside his home, following his wife, and even offering money to patrons in his local pub for stories. "I saw my wife getting upset, and that's what hurt me more than anything," Skinner confessed, highlighting the personal toll of the publicity.
Clarifying the BBC Relationship and Vote Controversy
The interview also tackled online speculation about the public vote after Skinner became the first contestant eliminated. Susanna Reid read an official BBC statement which firmly denied any manipulation: "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."
When questioned about potential legal action against the broadcaster, Skinner revealed he had held talks with the BBC. "They said 'You've been sent something you shouldn't have been sent... We think you should get some legal advice,'" he recounted. However, he was quick to assert there is no ongoing feud, noting his recent appearance on Celebrity Apprentice for Children in Need and planned future collaborations.
Looking Forward: Friendships and Future Projects
Despite the challenges, Skinner's Strictly experience yielded positive connections. He revealed that Amy Dowden is now a "family friend," and he has arranged a golf game with fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington. His focus is now on moving forward positively with the BBC, dismissing the earlier controversy as "what it is."
The 2025 series was ultimately won by Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, but Skinner's brief participation sparked significant discussion about the pressures of reality TV fame and the integrity of public voting systems.
