Thomas Skinner apologised on social media after he grabbed a journalist's phone and walked out of a press interview at the Strictly Come Dancing launch, and the BBC has told reporters he will remain in this year's lineup.
Skinner, 34, posted a statement on Instagram on Wednesday saying he regretted taking the phone and explaining that he had seen messages on the device that referenced "a personal story from my past," which he said "caught me off guard." He wrote that he had "been through some difficult times" and needed to step away to "gather myself," adding, "I'm sorry I picked up someone else's phone" and that the incident "had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself." He also said he was "excited to be part of Strictly this year" and grateful for public support.
The incident took place on Tuesday during a press day at Elstree Studios, where journalists conducted a series of short interviews with the show's celebrity contestants. According to reports, Skinner walked out after two interviews when he took offense at being recorded and removed a phone from a female reporter's table before leaving. Strictly's press team initially said he could not be located at the studios as producers sought an explanation.
The Daily Mail reported that BBC executives held internal talks about the market trader's future on the dance show but concluded he could "cope with the pressure of the series" and would remain in the cast. A source close to Skinner told the paper he was "definitely regretful" and felt out of his depth at a live press event, adding that he had enjoyed rehearsals and wanted to focus on the dancing.
A friend and media commentator, Adam Brooks, posted on X that he had spoken to Skinner and confirmed he was still on the programme. Other outlets noted competing reports that betting markets and pundits were treating an early exit as possible, with one site suggesting odds made his departure more likely.
Skinner, who rose to public attention on The Apprentice, has attracted controversy in recent months for his political associations and past criminal convictions. He publicly shared photographs of meeting U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance and has previously posted in support of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Those posts prompted criticism from some viewers who said his political views made his casting unsuitable.
Before his television career, Skinner pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and was charged in relation to large quantities of retail items and prescription medication. He has discussed those convictions publicly and written about turning his life around, saying he now speaks to young people about his experiences and runs a campaign addressing knife crime.
Skinner has three children and has described taking part in Strictly as a gesture to his mother, whom he has said is a fan of the show. He has been preparing for the live series and has said he wants to represent everyday men who do not look like typical television contestants.
Producers have faced heightened sensitivity this year after previous series controversies, and the decision to retain Skinner follows internal assessments of whether he could handle publicity and live scrutiny. The Daily Mail reported producers found he could remain in the line-up, while noting the episode was considered "embarrassing" for him. The paper said it had contacted Skinner and the BBC for comment.
Skinner's apology acknowledged the upset caused by his actions and framed them as a reaction to personal material he unexpectedly saw. He did not provide further details about the content of the messages. The show is due to broadcast its live launch and run into the coming weeks, when contestants' on-screen performances and off-screen behaviour will be under continued public and media attention.