Thomas Skinner Takes Legal Action Against BBC Over Strictly Come Dancing Controversy

Former Apprentice Contestant Challenges BBC

Former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner is taking legal action against the BBC, alleging the broadcaster manipulated voting to ensure his swift removal from Strictly Come Dancing. Skinner was the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s edition of the BBC dancing competition and has since expressed regret about taking part.

The Controversy Unfolds

A source revealed that Skinner is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it. The BBC responded to the claims by stating that Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy. Skinner became the first celebrity eliminated from the current series, departing during the second week of competition alongside 13 other contestants.

He and his partner Amy Dowden accumulated 29 points from the judges across their two performances, facing former England rugby player Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, who had secured 30 points, with all four judges opting to send Skinner home.

Skinner’s Turbulent Strictly Journey

Skinner’s time on the programme was marked by multiple controversies. Shortly after joining Strictly, the 34-year-old admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding. He previously apologised for picking up a journalist’s phone and walking out of a Strictly press event midway through.

He has since expressed his regret about ever taking part in the BBC show, claiming he has received constant abuse ever since. For the final, every celebrity from the series returns to perform again before the winner is crowned, but Skinner has a prior commitment that’s stopping him from attending.

Implications for the BBC

The legal challenge represents another blow to the BBC as it navigates a difficult period. Friends of the contestant say he remains convinced that BBC executives were determined to remove him because of negative publicity surrounding his participation. The case raises important questions about transparency in reality television voting processes and could have wider implications for how broadcasters handle public voting in competitive programmes. As the Strictly Come Dancing final approaches this weekend, this controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities involved when politics, personal conduct, and popular entertainment intersect.