Thomas Skinner, one of this year's Strictly Come Dancing contestants, was photographed looking tense on Wednesday as reports said the BBC has decided he will remain on the show following a contentious exchange with journalists at the programme's press day.
The former Apprentice contestant, 34, walked out of a media session on Tuesday after he took offence at being recorded and grabbed a reporter's phone. The incident, which occurred during the Strictly press launch at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, prompted internal discussions about his future on the series and drew criticism from some viewers.
Photographs published by the Daily Mail show Skinner in casual clothes on Wednesday morning, keeping his head down while running errands near the studios and appearing strained as he returned to pre‑recorded segments. The newspaper reported that Strictly executives held crisis talks after the press‑day walkout but concluded he would remain in the line‑up.
A source close to Skinner told the Daily Mail he regretted his behaviour and felt out of his depth at a live press event where multiple journalists were asking questions. Insiders described him as having enjoyed dance rehearsals and wanting to focus on the live shows. A friend, media commentator Adam Brooks, wrote on X that he had spoken to Skinner and that the contestant was still on the show.
Other outlets cited by the press said production staff had been unable to locate Skinner immediately after the media session. Sun Online quoted an insider as saying Skinner had been stressed and "wasn't coping" with the press conference, but that producers ultimately decided he was fit to continue. Pundit Arena reported bookmakers had adjusted odds, suggesting a substantial chance he could still leave the competition.
The episode has drawn heightened attention because of Skinner's past public statements and social media activity. He has previously shown support for former US president Donald Trump, posed in a 'Make America Great Again' cap and posted about meeting US Vice‑President J.D. Vance. Some viewers said those political associations made his casting controversial and questioned whether the show should platform him.
Skinner has also previously discussed a troubled youth and criminal convictions from before his rise to television fame. In recent years he has described turning his life around, speaking in schools and running community work, and he has told audiences he is taking part in Strictly for the challenge and because it is a show his mother enjoys.
Strictly producers have sought to avoid controversy after recent series drew intense scrutiny. The BBC has not issued an on‑the‑record statement on whether it had a formal internal review; the Daily Mail reported the corporation backed Skinner's continued participation. The Daily Mail said it had contacted both Skinner and the BBC for comment. Pundit Arena's odds and social media reactions indicate the situation remained under close public and media scrutiny as rehearsals continue.