Thomas Skinner’s time on “Strictly Come Dancing” has spiralled into one of the show’s most turbulent celebrity arcs, a mix of public regret, online abuse, media scandals, and controversy over celebrity pay. The 34-year-old star, best known for his run on The Apprentice, entered the glittering BBC ballroom hoping for fun and personal growth, but his brief, chaotic stint has sparked national debate over celebrity vulnerability, media scrutiny, and the economics of reality TV fame.
Branded ‘An Absolute Idiot’, Regret and Backlash
From the moment Thomas Skinner’s name was announced in the Strictly 2025 lineup, the media and audiences were divided. His elimination as the first celebrity of the series followed a botched salsa with pro partner Amy Dowden, which judges and viewers described as dire. Criticism from viewers was scathing, with one labelling his performance “traumatising”. Social media amplified the negativity, while broadcaster Vanessa Feltz, herself a former Strictly competitor, delivered the harshest public critique, calling Skinner an “absolute idiot” for taking part: “If he didn’t want his past to come to light, he was completely foolish to join Strictly. It’s well-known that participating means every detail of your life will be scrutinized”.
Media Storm, Scandal, and Mental Toll
Just weeks before the series began, Thomas Skinner admitted to cheating on his wife shortly after their wedding, a revelation that drew immediate tabloid attention. The admission was the tip of the iceberg: soon after, he was accused of walking out of a Strictly press event, was linked to a controversial app ad campaign, and complained of death threats following a meeting with US vice president JD Vance. Skinner detailed how Strictly made him “a target for relentless criticism,” culminating in a public meltdown on X (formerly Twitter), in which he declared, “I wish I had never done Strictly… it has brought me nothing but stress and ongoing abuse. All I try to do is spread positivity online”.
Public reaction mirrors this turmoil: Thomas Skinner confessed to feeling deserted by close friends, experiencing a loss of privacy, and enduring constant abuse both on the street and online. The sheer volume of scrutiny placed a huge strain on his mental health, as he explained, “I can’t do anything right now without someone criticising me or making me do something against my will. It’s bullsh*t… It’s driving me mad”.
The Truth About Celebrity Pay on Strictly
Adding another dimension of controversy, a former Strictly contestant has exposed the financial realities behind the celebrities’ contracts. While Strictly’s stars often cite their joy for dancing or pursuit of new challenges as reasons for joining, the pay structure is both secretive and startlingly unequal. Unlike other high-profile UK reality shows, Strictly’s payments are not publicised, but are known to vary widely depending on star status and negotiation.
Celebrities eliminated early reportedly receive only a basic fee, Thomas Skinner included, while those who progress further through the competition see their salary increase in stages, with additional rises for reaching the quarters, semis, or winning. A BBC source described the wage difference as “a huge contrast… in some cases not fair at all,” with substantial sums reportedly secured for stars with major name value or social media influence.
On the scale, Apprentice star Thomas Skinner is allegedly at the lower end of the payment spectrum, despite his high visibility, reflecting both the negotiation prowess of celebrity agents and producers’ assessments of their draw for the show. Vanessa Feltz emphasised this, stating, “Unless you are a major Hollywood star, participating in Strictly is likely the most significant event in your career,” reiterating the incredible pressure and expectations weighed against comparatively modest compensation for some.
Social and Cultural Fallout
Thomas Skinner’s woes were exacerbated by wider cultural tensions. Some critics focused on past controversies, such as his support for right-wing figures and his unpopular comments, suggesting that his time on Strictly was doomed by both his personal history and the politicised environment surrounding UK reality TV. For Skinner, every move, both on and off the dance floor, became immediate fodder for armchair pundits and professional commentators alike. His feud with broadcaster Narinder Kaur, who criticised the show for what she called double standards in diversity casting, stoked further debate over the BBC’s booking choices and the pressures faced by “controversial” figures.
The online backlash was relentless: from negative fan reactions to open hostility from the Strictly community, Thomas Skinner was left unable to walk the street without incident, and even his business projects became the subject of trolling campaigns.
Fame, Vulnerability, and the Costs of Reality TV
If Thomas Skinner’s Strictly journey has shown anything, it’s the staggering cost to reputation, mental health, and privacy that reality TV can inflict. The exposure did not bring the rejuvenation or fun Skinner had hoped, but instead forced him into damage control over old scandals and endless firefights on social media. As Feltz’s comments make clear, the show’s enormous platform comes at a cost: “It doesn’t matter if you take it seriously, if you’re skilled at dancing, or if you’re just seeking publicity – it’s a massive platform, with around 14 million viewers tuning in”.
Throughout his ordeal, Thomas Skinner tried to use his platforms to encourage positivity, but was ultimately defeated by a cascade of scrutiny and cynicism. The gulf between celebrity aspiration and reality, especially in the high-stakes world of primetime TV, was exposed for all to see. For the audience, it raises uncomfortable questions about fame, fairness, and the collateral damage of the entertainment industry’s relentless appetite for scandal.
