Thomas Skinner's sudden departure from a Strictly Come Dancing press event sparks controversy and discussions online.
In a surprising turn of events, Thomas Skinner, a contestant on the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing, abruptly exited a press event, reportedly declaring, “I’m not doing this.” The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 9, at Elstree Studios, where he and other celebrities were engaging with journalists ahead of the new series.
Details of the Incident
During the press conference, Thomas Skinner, known for his appearance on The Apprentice in 2019, left unexpectedly after making his remark. Sources indicate that his sudden exit prevented several reporters from interviewing him, raising eyebrows among media personnel present.
The BBC responded to inquiries about the incident, stating, “The BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.” This statement underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Backlash and Fan Reactions
Following the incident, reactions emerged on social media. Some fans of Strictly Come Dancing expressed their discontent, suggesting that Thomas should be dropped from the show due to his behavior. Despite the backlash, reports indicate that he will remain a participant in the competition, where he will compete against well-known figures such as Dani Dyer, Stefan Dennis, and Chris Robshaw.
This is not the first time Thomas has faced criticism. His previous comments on social media have sparked controversy, leading to heightened scrutiny from fans and the public alike.
Official Statements and Context
In a related context, BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed the situation hours prior to the incident. Speaking to members of the Culture, Media and Sport committee, he clarified the selection process for participants in Strictly Come Dancing. “That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people… who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience,” he explained.
Davie further emphasized the BBC’s commitment to maintaining standards, stating, “Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn’t accept them.” He concluded by mentioning that he was not an expert on Skinner, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
As the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing prepares to kick off on Saturday, September 20, the unfolding events surrounding Thomas Skinner will likely remain a topic of discussion among fans and media.
