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Strictly Come Dancing has barely begun and already drama is unfolding. Thomas Skinner, the outspoken businessman best known for his stint on The Apprentice, dramatically stormed out of the show’s first official press event on Tuesday, leaving BBC bosses scrambling.
The event, held at Elstree Studios, was meant to be a polished launch to kickstart this year’s Strictly season. Contestants posed for photos, gave interviews, and spoke about their excitement for the glitter-filled journey ahead. But for Tom, things didn’t go quite as planned.
According to multiple reports, Skinner managed just two interviews before abruptly exiting the building. His departure was so sudden that producers and BBC staffers were left frantically searching for his whereabouts, unsure if he was even planning to return.
An insider described the atmosphere as “chaotic” after the star’s disappearance, saying:
“This is exactly what Strictly did not need. With all the recent controversy, bosses wanted this series to be smooth sailing but Tom is already causing havoc. It’s unprecedented for a celebrity to walk out of the show’s media launch day and bosses think it’s really bad form.”
It is believed that Skinner became frustrated after being questioned about his political views, particularly his unlikely friendship with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The market trader has never shied away from voicing strong opinions, but producers were reportedly left red-faced when the conversation at the press event steered away from dancing and into political territory.
For Strictly, a show that prides itself on glitter, sequins, and escapism, politics is the last thing they want making headlines.
The BBC is said to be deeply concerned that Skinner’s behaviour could spell further trouble ahead. While most celebrity contestants throw themselves into the glitzy chaos of training, sequins, and spray tans, Skinner’s storm-out has raised eyebrows.
One source close to the production suggested this could be a sign of bigger clashes on the horizon:
“If this is a sign of things to come, Strictly have a big problem. The show runs on goodwill, teamwork and fun, if Tom keeps making headlines for the wrong reasons, bosses won’t be happy.”
Strictly’s controversial new signing Thomas Skinner made a dramatic exit from the show’s first press event on Tuesday (pictured in 2022).
The show has already faced recent controversies, and producers were hoping for a clean start this year. With the line-up including soap stars, athletes, and musicians, excitement was high. But instead of sparkle dominating the headlines, it’s Thomas Skinner’s walkout that has stolen the spotlight.
Neither Skinner nor the BBC has commented officially on the incident, though insiders suggest producers will be watching him closely as rehearsals begin.
For now, Strictly fans will have to wait and see whether Skinner can swap the drama for the dance floor, or whether this will be the beginning of one of the most controversial series yet.
