By Tony O’Reilly-
Thomas Skinner(pictured) is reportedly suing the BBC, claiming it rigged voting to eliminate him from Strictly Come Dancing early amid bad publicity.
The former Apprentice star has been the subject of negative press during his two-week stint on the BBC dancing competition this year.
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He was seen posing with US Vice President JD Vance, admitted to cheating on his wife after their wedding and grabbed a journalist’s phone during a press event.
After the 34-year-old entrepreneur and his professional dancer partner Amy Dowden, became the first of 14 celebrities to be axed in week two of the current series, Skinner expressed strong conviction that the BBC rigged the voting process- a serious allegation of corruption by the public figure.
Skinner reportedly insists he has “evidence” that the BBC downplayed his public support due to the attention on him and allegedly believes the broadcaster was “hellbent” on getting him out, adding that he received a larger share of the public vote than was counted and has “evidence” to prove it.
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His stated evidence Sources close to Skinner suggest he thinks BBC bosses wanted him removed quickly due to a series of negative headlines he generated during his time on the show, which included posing with US Vice President JD Vance and admitting to an affair.
The entrepreneur is reportedly boycotting Saturday night’s final, which will be the last episode that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host before they leave the show for good.“Thomas is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it,” a source told The Sun.
“He is determined to see it through, but there’s no way the BBC will take this sensational claim lying down. He’s convinced the BBC was hell-bent on getting him out as soon as possible — no matter how many of his fans got behind him.”
Lorraine Kelly has expressed her views about Thomas Skinner’s alleged lawsuit against the BBC very clear. The ITV daytime show host took a moment on air to slam the Apprentice star and question his motives. An unimpressed Lorraine said about the lawsuit: “He’s suing the BBC. It seems to be a trend these days, everybody is doing it.” The TV personality was referencing Donald Trump, who is suing the BBC over a Panorama episode in which a speech he gave on January 6, 2021, was edited.
Lorraine spoke to entertainment editor and journalist Lucie Cave about the news, Lorraine asked about Thomas’ motives for suing. “What do you think he wants out of this?” she said. “I don’t really get it…”
Lucie reminded the host that Thomas has yet to confirm that he is suing the organisation, but that Thomas is thought to have felt vilified on the show and that his exit was orchestrated. She added that this was stirring it all back up and bringing Thomas’ controversies back into the public eye.
Skinner and Dowden attained 29 judges’ points over two shows, which were added together alongside results of a public poll.
The pair faced off against rugby star Chris Robshaw and pro dancer Nadiya Bychckova, who had 30 points, and all four judges voted out Skinner and Dowden.
An insider said: “Thomas was hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons — a supposed right-winger seen to be cosying up to US politicians, grabbing a journalist’s phone and confessing to having an affair wasn’t exactly the tone Strictly was striving for.”
Skinner will reportedly give Saturday’s final a miss, in which he was due to perform in the group Class of 2025 dance.
History
Skinner began working as a market trader at age 16 after leaving school. He founded the Fluffy Pillow Company to sell beds, mattresses, and a memory-foam pillow of his own design, establishing mattress-specialist company in 2020 following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his previous suppliers.
He currently runs multiple small businesses, including a gym and fitness-related interests. A sought-after speaker for corporate and motivational events, leveraging his entrepreneurial journey Skinner became a public figure through reality television and has since maintained a consistent media presence.
He gained fame as a standout candidate in Series 15 of The Apprentice 2019 reaching week nine before being fired.
He has also been a regular contributor to TalkSport Radio and has appeared on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, and Good Morning Britain.
A BBC spokesperson told The Eye Of Media.Com: “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
‘We are not aware of any legal complaint in relation to this matter.
The public vote is overseen by a specialist team who are separate to Strictly Come Dancing, in addition to being independently verified. Tom is back on the BBC in Celebrity Apprentice this Christmas and was present at the BBC’s press launch for it last month’.
In light of this statement, it seems odd that Skinner did not express his grievance with the BBC before allowing his suspicion to go public.
BBC insiders told this publication that it is governed by principles that require ‘all its interactivity to be conducted in a manner that is honest and fair. They added that all their contestants ‘are always treated fairly, properly and in accordance with fairness’.
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