Thomas Skinner’s place on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing was thrown into doubt after the reality star and entrepreneur stormed out of a press launch at BBC studios in Elstree, prompting internal discussions at the corporation.

According to BBC sources, Skinner left the event after taking exception to journalists recording his interviews. A BBC insider described the episode as "a disgrace" and said taped interviews are a normal part of media events. A corporation spokesman reiterated that "the BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes."

Eyewitnesses said Skinner, 34, had completed two interviews before he stood up, told the table of journalists "I'm not doing this," and left despite attempts by organisers to placate him. One account said the exchange began when a reporter indicated she was recording; Skinner reached for the phone and then walked out. He was seated beside fellow contestant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at the event.

The incident came on the same day that BBC director-general Tim Davie told MPs the corporation would not engage people whose views were "just beyond the pale," adding, "But that’s not the case here, from what I know." BBC executives said they were in talks about how to proceed following the press launch.

Skinner, who first rose to public attention on the 2019 series of The Apprentice, has faced heightened scrutiny in recent weeks after meeting US Senator and Vice‑President nominee J.D. Vance while Vance was in the U.K. The meeting drew online criticism and led to questions about Skinner's political views. Skinner has denied being right-wing and said he accepted the invitation to meet Vance as an opportunity, telling critics, "Some people will hate you without ever really knowing you — and that's okay."

In social media posts earlier in the week, Skinner wrote that he had enjoyed his first day of rehearsals and praised his professional partner, calling the experience "such a good experience" and saying he was "fully surrendering to Strictly." He has publicly framed his participation as for ordinary viewers, saying he is doing it for "pint‑drinking, kebab‑eating dads out there with beer bellies."

Skinner's past has also been revisited by some critics. Reporting and the contestant's own comments note that he was arrested and charged in 2011 in relation to handling stolen goods, a matter he has previously said he addressed and wrote about in a memoir. He has also spoken about being stabbed when younger and now runs a campaign at his gym about knife crime.

The row adds unwelcome attention to the new Strictly line-up, which includes a mix of entertainers, athletes and presenters. Contestants announced for the series include Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey, actress Alex Kingston, EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal, drag performer La Voix, reality stars Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, model and disability ambassador Ellie Goldstein, rugby player Chris Robshaw, actor Stefan Dennis, showbiz correspondent Ross King and actor Lewis Cope.

BBC officials and show producers have not announced any disciplinary outcome. The corporation said it would consider any behaviour that fell short of its standards when deciding on future participation, while also noting that editorial decisions about line-ups and contributors take a range of factors into account.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year, and the producers have previously said they aim for a smooth, family‑friendly series. The BBC has declined to provide further comment beyond its statement on standards, and Skinner did not respond to immediate requests for further comment beyond his social media posts addressing rehearsals and his earlier remarks about the Vance meeting.