BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans slam Thomas Skinner casting

Thomas Skinner is best-known for appearing on The Apprentice on the BBC <i>(Image: Lucy North / PA)</i>
Thomas Skinner is best-known for appearing on The Apprentice on the BBC (Image: Lucy North / PA)
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Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left outraged after former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was revealed as one of the show's newest contestants.

After the BBC revealed his casting, Tom said: "I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing.

"I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time, but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next-level stuff! 

"I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings), but I’m ready to graft and, of course, have a laugh.

"Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”

Strictly Come Dancing fans express outrage after 'dangerous and inappropriate' casting of Thomas Skinner by the BBC

Many Strictly Come Dancing fans expressed anger at the decision by the BBC to cast Thomas Skinner.

One person said: "Someone tell Strictly that being controversial isn’t cute, and platforming someone like Thomas Skinner at ANY time, but even more so in the current political climate, is inappropriate and dangerous."

Another penned: "It’s really not that hard for Strictly to do their research and know that Thomas Skinner should not be a part of the show, full stop.

"What a very disappointing choice after what was a great lineup so far. Strictly, DO BETTER."

A third added: "Complained to Ofcom about Thomas Skinner’s casting in @bbcstrictly. SHAME ON YOU."

However, many were happy at the news, with one person writing: "Urh, this is the first year I’m actually up for watching Strictly. Thomas Skinner for the win! Bosh!"


All the Strictly Come Dancing contestants announced for the 2025 series so far

See all the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing contestants announced so far...

  • Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Nitro from Gladiators
  • Dani Dyer – former Love Islander
  • Alex Kingston – actor, ER and Doctor Who star
  • Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – ex-footballer
  • Balvinder Sopal – EastEnders star
  • George Clarke - YouTuber and podcaster
  • La Voix -  RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist
  • Chris Robshaw -former England rugby union player and captain
  • Ellie Goldstein - model
  • Tom Skinner - The Apprentice star and social media influencer
  • Vicky Pattison - TV presenter
  • Stefan Dennis - Neighbours star

Strictly Come Dancing will return to the BBC and BBC iPlayer this September.

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