Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with yet another storm — and this time, it comes from the very first contestant eliminated in 2025.
Thomas Skinner, the outspoken former Apprentice star turned Strictly hopeful, is reportedly preparing to sue the BBC, claiming the broadcaster manipulated the public vote to force him out of the competition just as headlines about his private life spiralled out of control.
Sources close to the businessman say he is “absolutely convinced” the numbers don’t add up and insists he received far more support from viewers than the results suggested.
And he believes he can prove it.
A Controversial Signing From Day One
Skinner’s Strictly journey was rocky before he ever stepped onto the dancefloor. His vocal right-leaning political stance already raised eyebrows — but the real scandal hit when he admitted to cheating on his wife, Sinead, mere weeks after their wedding.
The revelation dominated the tabloids.
The backlash online grew louder.
And then came the performances.Skinner and pro partner Amy Dowden, still recovering from treatment after her breast cancer battle, scored just 29 out of 80 across two weeks. They fell into the bottom two alongside former rugby star Chris Robshaw — who the judges unanimously chose to save.
But Skinner isn’t buying it.
Strictly’s first eliminated star of 2025, Thomas Skinner, 34, is reportedly suing the BBC after claiming bosses ‘rigged’ the vote to boot him off the show amid a flurry of negative headlines
The Apprentice star had already been deemed a controversial signing even before he confessed to cheating on his wife Sinead (pictured with pro Amy Dowden)
“I Can Prove the Votes Were Wrong” — Inside the Alleged Legal Battle
According to insiders, Thomas is preparing to take the BBC to court, arguing that the vote was “interfered with” to ensure his early exit.
One source told The Sun:
“Thomas is adamant he won a bigger share of the public vote. He believes he has evidence. And he fully intends to see this challenge through.”
Another added that the BBC — already dealing with a massive lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over a Panorama episode — is “ready to fight back hard” and will not tolerate accusations that their voting system is fixed.
A BBC spokesperson responded firmly:
“Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is independently verified and fully accurate.”
Abuse, Backlash, and a Strictly Regret
While Skinner prepares for legal action, he has also admitted publicly that he wishes he had never joined Strictly at all.
In October, amid mounting criticism over both his performances and his personal scandal, he confessed he was enduring “constant abuse” and struggling with the intensity of the attention.
He has now pulled out of the live finale, citing “scheduling conflicts” — though insiders suggest he is eager to avoid further confrontations.
A Return to the Show That Made Him Famous
Despite reportedly gearing up to sue the BBC, Thomas will still return to screens this Christmas in Celebrity Apprentice Specials. The irony has not gone unnoticed.
When he stepped back into Lord Sugar’s boardroom earlier this year, Skinner unexpectedly broke down in tears, recalling how the show changed his life in 2019.
“I didn’t have much back then,” he said.
“Being on The Apprentice put me on the map. Returning for Children In Need was emotional — it reminded me of how far I’ve come.”
Amy Dowden’s Surprise Appearance
While Thomas is skipping Strictly’s finale, fans will take comfort knowing Amy Dowden will be in attendance after undergoing a second mastectomy. Her courage throughout the series has earned her widespread admiration, even among those critical of Thomas.
What Happens Now?
If Skinner follows through, this could become one of the most dramatic Strictly scandals in years — pitting a controversial contestant against one of the BBC’s most beloved shows.
Strictly has dealt with cheating rumours, fix claims, and tabloid feuds over the years…
But a lawsuit from a first-eliminated contestant is a twist no one saw coming.
As for Thomas Skinner, he insists the truth is on his side.
The BBC insists their system is airtight.
And viewers?
They’re just grabbing popcorn — because this Strictly saga is far from over.
