Strictly’s first eliminated contestant of 2025, Thomas Skinner, is reportedly preparing legal action against the BBC — alleging that producers manipulated the public vote to remove him from the competition during a wave of negative headlines.
The Apprentice star, 34, had already been regarded as a controversial choice due to his outspoken Right-wing opinions, but scrutiny intensified dramatically when he admitted he had been unfaithful to his wife Sinead mere weeks after their wedding.
Despite viewers claiming his routines were “traumatising,” Thomas is said to believe he can prove he received a higher share of the public vote — which he insists should have saved him from the dance-off.
Thomas and his professional partner Amy Dowden, 35, received a disappointing total of 29 points out of 80 across two shows and ultimately landed in the bottom two alongside former rugby player Chris Robshaw — who was saved by the judges.
A source told The Sun:
“The BBC is already facing a £7.5billion lawsuit from Donald Trump, and now Thomas — a close friend of Vice President JD Vance — is challenging them as well.”
The President filed a $10billion lawsuit after the broadcaster was accused of editing his speech in a Panorama episode.
Thomas, who has often been painted as a polarising figure, remains adamant he collected a greater share of the public vote and reportedly believes he has evidence to support the claim.
“He’s convinced the BBC was determined to remove him, regardless of how many supporters cast votes,” the source added.
Representatives for Thomas declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail.
A BBC spokesperson responded firmly:
“Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently verified to ensure full accuracy.”
In October, Thomas expressed regret about joining Strictly — saying he wished he had “never gone on the show” due to the “constant abuse” following the revelation of his infidelity.
The star will not appear in Saturday’s finale due to scheduling issues, although fans will be comforted to know that Amy — who recently underwent a second mastectomy amid her breast cancer battle — will attend.
Despite the looming lawsuit, Thomas is expected to return for the Celebrity Apprentice Specials airing this Christmas.
He was one of 16 contestants in 2019 and, although he failed to secure Lord Sugar’s investment at the time, he has since built several successful ventures.
During the first of two festival specials, Thomas is seen becoming emotional as he returns to the boardroom with the celebrity cast, telling Lord Sugar the experience has been life-changing.
He reflected on his return by saying:
“It was a real honour. Doing Apprentice changed my life — and being part of the Children In Need version felt like an incredible privilege.”
Filming stirred unexpected emotion for Thomas, who admitted the return reminded him of how far he has come since first appearing in the boardroom, before children, and before building his businesses.
“It opened doors for me,” he said. “To sit there again, helping raise money for such a great cause — it meant everything.”
Despite legal threats and personal scandal, Thomas Skinner continues to balance controversy with lucrative opportunities — and his role in the Celebrity Apprentice Specials may prove to be the latest test of his public redemption arc.
