Thomas Skinner brushes off Strictly meltdown in a glittering purple suit as he gets his dancing shoes on days before show debut – after controversial star revealed his five-figure pay check

by

Thomas Skinner shook off his pre-debut anxiety and put on his dance shoes, as seen in a video he shared on Instagram on Friday, just prior to his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself in the spotlight on Tuesday when my unexpected departure from a media conference call caused quite a stir. The event took an unusual turn after I momentarily seized a journalist’s mobile device.

In his own response, Thomas posted an apology on Instagram on a Wednesday, acknowledging his error to the journalist and expressing his efforts to overcome challenging episodes from his previous life.

The Daily Mail reported that the BBC had decided to support Thomas and keep him as part of the upcoming show, set to air on September 20th.

Instead of avoiding the commotion, Thomas donned a sparkling violet outfit and shared a video highlighting his dance skills to advertise the forthcoming performance.

> He’s absolutely thrilled to be a part of Strictly, he’s had a blast so far and everyone is simply fantastic! Let’s get this dance party started!! 💖

Thomas disclosed that his employers from the broadcasting company are only compensating him with a sum of £10,000 for his participation in this year’s series.

He simply said: ‘I’m getting ten grand for Strictly but seriously, I’d do it for a tenner.’ 

In an interview with The Times, a father of three expressed gratitude by referring to dancing as a privilege or distinction he was awarded.

Following his earlier complaints about being paid less than other celebrities for performances and engagements, he acknowledged that he continues to deliver mattresses amidst his Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.

He had previously grumbled about being underpaid compared to other stars for shows and events, but admitted to still delivering mattresses during breaks from Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.

Thomas’ chances of winning this year’s series have been reduced from 18-to-1 to 16-to-1, as per bookmaker William Hill.

Meanwhile, his odds to be first eliminated from the series have drifted from 8/1 to 9/1.

In simpler terms, Lewis Cope continues to lead the pack with odds of 11/4, while Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein follow closely as the second and third choices respectively, with odds of 7/2 and 5/1 respectively.

Speaking about his recent departure from the interview, Thomas clarified to his audience: ‘Regarding the reports that emerged following yesterday’s events, during one of the discussions, a reporter had their phone on the table recording our conversation.’

‘By chance, I briefly looked at the screen and noticed multiple messages – they weren’t related to Strictly, but instead, shared a personal tale from my earlier life.’

Reflecting on the stories of his past, Thomas added: “I’ve faced challenging periods in my life and have made a concerted effort to leave them behind.

In that instant, spotting it took me by surprise. I decided it would be wise to move away for a moment and regain my composure.

Thomas continued: ‘This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself.

I apologize for accidentally picking up another person’s phone. I’m unsure if they noticed their messages were visible, and I certainly don’t mean to imply any ill intent on their part.

I’m thrilled to be participating in Strictly this year, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warmth, compassion, and encouragement that I’ve received thus far.

‘It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to give it my all on that dancefloor. Bosh.’

According to sources, BBC leaders – who are eager to steer clear of further controversy due to recent scandals – have requested a comprehensive account of the circumstances that led to his departure.

At Elstree Studios, during the press launch, the Strictly team could not find him.

A source close to Thomas said: ‘He is definitely regretful over the way he behaved on Tuesday.

Thomas might have appeared in significant television productions prior, yet he remains relatively fresh and particularly apprehensive about navigating the unique atmosphere of a press day – an occasion where numerous reporters ask questions.

Although he previously participated in Celebrity MasterChef and The Apprentice, those programs were pre-recorded, making him feel significantly less pressure compared to Strictly Come Dancing. In Strictly, he admitted that he was clearly beyond his element.

Prior to the start of press day, he was relishing the Strictly dance practice. Now, he’s eager to concentrate solely on dancing and is excited for the debut live performance.

To move past the recent event, the father of three shared an amusing photo on Thursday, showing himself sitting in a makeup chair at Elstree Studios.

As a lifestyle expert, I can tell you that even though the entrepreneur was snapped by paparazzi looking somber, just a few hours prior, outside the studios where the show was taking place, it’s essential to remember that appearances may not always reflect true emotions or spirits. It’s possible the entrepreneur had an off day or was dealing with personal matters behind the scenes. The key here is to focus on their professional successes and resilience rather than a single moment in time.

Thomas, dressed comfortably in a polo shirt and shorts, quickly ducked into the stores to grab a bottled water, keeping his gaze focused downward.

He seemed to be under pressure, as he winced on his journey back to the studio, where he had to record the Strictly Come Dancing launch program in advance.

Read More

2025-09-12 12:09