Controversy surrounds Tom Skinner's participation in Strictly Come Dancing as fans express their disapproval online.
Topics covered
Tom Skinner, known for his stint on The Apprentice, has found himself in hot water after announcing his participation in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 34-year-old reality star shared the news via Instagram, only to be met with a torrent of negative feedback from fans who are clearly unhappy with the BBC’s choice.
Immediate Backlash from Fans
It didn’t take long for viewers to voice their disapproval on social media. One user lamented, “Big yikes and no from me,” calling for the BBC to rethink their decision. Another chimed in with, “Wow, absolutely disgraceful decision,” while a third remarked, “Oh no.
This man is so offensive.” The criticism kept piling up, with one viewer stating, “Yeah, Strictly… this ain’t it. This is such a bad vibe choice. Ugly opinions and deeply polarising. Can’t help but feel like this is going to be an own goal.” These reactions underscore the significant backlash against Skinner’s inclusion in the show, raising questions about how the BBC approaches its casting decisions.
Tom Skinner’s Response to Criticism
In light of the uproar, Skinner decided to address the negativity head-on. He posted, “They say don’t read the comments on social media. But I couldn’t help myself. I’ve had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram about going on Strictly.” He further expressed his bewilderment at the anger directed toward him, saying, “Why are some people so angry that don’t even know me? Not Bosh.” His candid acknowledgment of the backlash provides a glimpse into his complex relationship with public perception.
Earlier, Skinner had also expressed surprise at the sheer volume of reactions he received—both supportive and critical. “Well, the news is out about me going on Strictly. Never in a million years did I think I would receive the amount of messages of support (and the also amount of hate),” he remarked. This insight into his mindset reveals that he is grappling with the polarizing nature of his public image.
The Controversy Surrounding Tom Skinner
Since his time on The Apprentice, Skinner has become known for his divisive opinions on social media, particularly concerning social and political issues. Reports indicate he has faced threats and negative comments, especially after sharing his views on UK society. He claimed to have received “death threats” and “vile comments about my children” following controversial posts where he asserted, “there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you’re from.” This ongoing controversy raises significant questions about the impact of social media on public figures and the immense pressures they face.
The backlash against Skinner has rippled out, affecting other Strictly Come Dancing professionals as well. Several dancers have faced criticism for their support of him, particularly Shirley Ballas, who came under fire after welcoming him to the show. One user remarked, “It’s very sad to see the dancers who we’ve followed and loved supporting far-right politics.” This situation spotlights the increasing scrutiny public figures face regarding their associations and endorsements.
Looking Ahead to Strictly Come Dancing
Despite the ongoing backlash, Strictly Come Dancing, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, is set to return to BBC One this September, featuring a star-studded judging panel including Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse. As the new season looms, it remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding Skinner will influence viewership and the show’s overall reception.
UPDATE AT [current time]: As the debate rages on, further developments regarding Skinner’s role in the show and the public’s response are anticipated. This situation exemplifies the challenges faced by reality television participants as they navigate their public personas in an era of heightened scrutiny.
