Thomas Skinner, a contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, has admitted to a past affair and warned that further details of his private life could emerge as he prepares to appear on the BBC dance show.
In a lengthy social media post on Monday, the 34-year-old reality star said he had made “big mistakes” and acknowledged a “stupid moment” more than three years ago in which he cheated on his wife, Sinead. Skinner described the episode as a brief “moment of madness” and said he told his wife straight away, adding that her forgiveness had changed his life.
Skinner said he and his wife had since built a new home and had three children together, and that they were “stronger” after moving on. He urged the public to leave his family alone, saying most of what was being published about him was untrue and that his family had been targeted by outlets and by people offered money to sell stories.
The affair was reported to have been with aesthetician Amy-Lucy O’Rourke, who told media the relationship lasted about three months and began after Skinner visited her clinic for a treatment in June 2022. Skinner has described the liaison as a two-week incident and said he felt “absolutely terrible” when it happened. He and Sinead were married in May 2022 and share a son, Henry, and twin daughters, Roma and Darla.
The revelations come days after Skinner abruptly left a press call for Strictly and briefly took a reporter’s phone after reading messages on its screen he said related to his past. He later posted an apology, saying he had been caught off guard and had stepped away to “gather myself.” He said he did not want to suggest any bad intentions on the journalist’s part and that he was “excited” to be part of the show.
The BBC has said Skinner will remain on the programme, which is scheduled to launch on Sept. 20. In his post, Skinner said he had been working before beginning Strictly training and that, despite facing online abuse and criticism, he intended to keep working and to focus on his family. He wrote that people “deserve second chances” and that he was determined to “get back up, rebuild and look after the ones you love.”
Skinner rose to prominence on The Apprentice and later became known for social media content and his catchphrase “Bosh.” Over the past week his name has featured in news reports about the affair and about the press incident. He said in his message that he had become a target and that he expected further scrutiny, adding, “I’ve made mistakes and if you dig you’ll find more.”
The episode has prompted debate about celebrity privacy and the handling of personal histories in the run-up to high-profile television appearances. Strictly’s new lineup this year includes contestants from a range of backgrounds, and the BBC said it had considered the matter when issuing its statement on Skinner’s participation. Skinner has apologised to the journalist involved in the press call and to the public for his actions during the exchange.
In his social media statement, Skinner asked that the focus remain on his family and on his preparations for the show. He expressed remorse over his past conduct, said he had lost friends and family in the fallout, and reiterated his intention to “fight to be a better man.” The broadcaster has not announced any further measures, and Skinner is expected to continue with scheduled promotional commitments ahead of Strictly’s launch.