Who is Thomas Skinner? Strictly backlash and controversies explained

Thomas Skinner has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing amid plenty of uproar.

The BBC show has landed some big names for the upcoming series, ranging from former Love Island star Dani Dyer to Doctor Who legend Alex Kingston.

However, many fans have been left furious after the 34-year-old former Apprentice candidate was unveiled for the Latin and ballroom show.

Skinner has been criticised for his outspoken political views in the past, and Strictly viewers have been quick to complain about his casting on social media.

‘This might be the worst casting call in years,’ complained @thejasvalentine, while @109mph quipped: ‘April Fools was 134 days ago…’

It’s fair to say not everyone is pleased to see him in the lineup, but why? Here’s everything you need to know.

He rose to fame on The Apprentice

Thomas Skinner rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2019, making it to week nine of the programme.

He impressed viewers and Lord Alan Sugar himself on the series, with the business mogul describing him for his ‘honourability’ and ‘say it as it is’ nature.

At the time of filming, he owned The Fluffy Pillow Company, which sold beds, mattresses and his own design for memory foam mattresses.

Skinner made the most of his time in the spotlight, catching on with his ‘bosh’ catchphrase and amassing a large social media following.

He’s also appeared on the likes of Celebrity MasterChef and 8 Out of 10 Cats, even if he’s got his fair share of critics.

What is his business?

Skinner’s day job still revolves around pillows, although the company has changed over the years.

In 2022, he resigned as director of Bosh Beds, which has since dissolved.

Now, according to Companies House he’s a director at The Fluffy Pillow Company, which specialises in mattresses, beds and pillows.

Controversies and a criminal past

Skinner has been open about his past, which includes a conviction for handling £40,000 worth of stolen goods in 2011.

He has written on X: ‘Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it.’

In recent weeks, Skinner claimed he’d faced ‘death threats’ and ‘vile comments’ about his children after sharing a series of posts on social media in which he said, ‘something’s gone wrong’ in the UK, and that ‘there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you’re from’.

‘Absolutely disgusting booking. Shameful BBC,’ said @RyanJL after the recent announcement, while fan page @concontextSCD_ asked: ‘Right so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!’

And @alexanderls3 ranted: ‘I’m so serious, I loved this years #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing.’

Others have defended the booking, with one user describing the move as ‘a superb signing for common sense and decency’.

Skinner addressed the recent backlash in a statement when he thanked the ‘legends’ supporting him.

Skinner wrote: ‘Never in a million years did I think I would Recieve the amount of messages of support (and the also amount of hate) 😂 But thank you to everyone. You’re absolutely legends.

‘I’m gonna sit and have a few cold ones and take in what’s actually going on. Life is crazy. Gotta grab everything with both hands and take it for what it is. Hope you have a wonderful afternoon. Love you all. Bosh❤️ (sic)’

Political views and a meeting with JD Vance

Earlier this week Skinner met US vice president JD Vance, who is currently holidaying in the Cotswolds.

‘Unreal night with JD and his friends and family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about,’ he tweeted.

During the 2024 United States presidential election, Skinner expressed support for then-Republican candidate Donald Trump.

‘I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that’s my opinion. I think it’s good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy,’ he said.

In terms of his own politics, he has defended the notion of national pride, while sparking criticism for writing that it ‘was not far-right’ to be ‘flying your flag and loving your country’.

He has also claimed London was ‘hostile’, ‘tense’ and ‘not safe out there anymore’.

Who is Thomas Skinner’s wife and do they have children?

Thomas Skinner married his partner Sinead Chambers over three years ago, in May 2022.

At the time, they already had a 19-month old son together, and in June 2023 they welcomed twin daughters into the world.

He missed their birth as they were born four weeks early, and he was in North Carolina to manage a West Ham Legends team when his wife had 24 hours to undergo an emergency C-section.

The first flight out wasn’t for five hours, so Tom decided to go back to the football match – which was part of the TCT Tournament – just in time for kick-off.

‘They had all these wires hanging out of them, all these tubes,’ he told The Sun as he recalled arriving at the hospital once he was able to fly home.

‘I thought, “Bless your little cotton socks, I’m never not going to be there for you ever again – and I will never let you down.”‘

Metro has contacted the BBC for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Comments