STRICTLY Come Dancing faced a huge backlash over the latest star signing.
Fans have predicted yet another year of scandal for the long-running BBC celebrity dancing competition.
6
6
6
The corporation recently announced that former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner will compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The star has previously been open about his previous conviction for handling stolen goods in 2011.
Taking to X, he wrote: “Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times.
“And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it.”
Thomas is known for his outspoken political opinions on social media, having expressed support for President Donald Trump.
He’s also known for his high-profile television appearances on the likes of Good Morning Britain and Celebrity MasterChef.
However, many fans were not happy with the casting choice as droves of disgruntled users took to social media to complain.
One user stated: “Right, so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!“
Someone else fumed: “Amanda Abbington, Wynne Evans and now Thomas Skinner… oh #Strictly has a death wish.”
“I’m so serious, I loved this year’s #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing,” raged someone else.
As a fourth added: “Platforming Thomas Skinner is absolutely wild to me like take one scroll through his platform and you can see.”
In defence
However, many fans have defended the star as they have praised the show for the casting choice.
One fan posted on X: “I am sorry guys can someone explain the real problem with Thomas Skinner being on strictly come dancing? He is real nice guy and genuine.”
A second stated: “I think it’s great Thomas Skinner is going to be on Strictly and definitely a superb signing for common sense and decency.”
Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times.
Thomas Skinner
“People crying because Thomas Skinner is going to be a contestant on Strictly. He’s not perfect but there are far worse people out there,” noted a third fan.
While a fourth commented: “I haven’t watched strictly for a good few years now for many reasons.. but, I will watch to support you this year.”
And a fifth fan added: “Taking BOSH mainstream! Nice bit of prime time advertising there.”
The Sun has approached representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Thomas Skinner for comment.
Presidential support?
The signing comes just a day after the Romford lad met US Vice President JD Vance at a Cotswolds BBQ.
The married dad-of-three, 34, said: “I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff.
“I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh.
“Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom.”
Thomas met up with Vance after the two struck up an unlikely friendship on social media site X.
He hit back at the flak yesterday, adding: “I’m not right wing. People are like sheep and just started saying it because I got invited to go to bbq with JD Vance and I posted a picture with him.
“Who is gonna turn down an opportunity to meet the 2nd most powerful man in the world?”
6
6
6
