Who is Strictly's Thomas Skinner? The Apprentice star with a criminal conviction who posed in a MAGA hat

Yahoo

a day ago

The outspoken TV personality is one of the more controversial contestants on the BBC show this year.
Former Apprentice star and social media personality Tom Skinner has been confirmed as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Skinner said he was "beyond excited" to be joining the BBC's flagship entertainment show.
'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," he said.
Skinner is one of the more controversial characters to appear on Strictly (you can read the full line-up here), with his appearance already prompting a mixed reaction.
On Thursday, he posted a link to comments in the BBC Strictly Instagram feed, with many criticising the decision to put him on the show. Skinner's support of Donald Trump drew ire, though some comments were also supportive of him.
"They say don't read the comments on social media," he posted on X. "But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram.... Have a look at some of these on Instagram …. Why are some people so angry that don't even know me."
Who is Strictly's Thomas Skinner?
Born in Romford, east London, the 34-year-old started working as a local market trader at the age of 16.
He found fame in 2019 as a contestant on the BBC business-based reality show The Apprentice and has since gone on to appear on TV regularly, including on 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Good Morning Britain, Faking It and Celebrity Masterchef.
Skinner, who runs several small businesses, released his debut book Graft – How to Smash Life in 2023.
He has also amassed a huge social media following of hundreds of thousands of people, to whom he shares regular videos, including motivational messages.
His social media videos are often shared from Skinner's favourite cafe, featuring large breakfasts, and his catchphrase of 'BOSH' regularly appears.
What are his political views?
Skinner has made a number of politicised comments, with right-wing voices in particular drawn to his views - most notably when he urged people to "stop bending over backwards for the woke brigade" in a since-deleted post on X.
In June, he appeared alongside senior Conservative Party MP Robert Jenrick in a video about ending tool theft.
In July, he appeared on a panel of right-wing voices at a conference called 'How to save England' alongside Tory MP Danny Kruger and former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe.
Addressing the crowd, Skinner said in a speech: "Young people in this country feel lost. Too many of us feel we're being left behind in our own country. We've got kids being taught to be ashamed of their flag, It's bloody mental. People scared to say they're proud to be English in case someone kicks off or is offended."
His love of the English flag came to the fore when he appeared on Good Morning Britain, waving a St George's cross after he received criticism for a post celebrating St George's Day.
He recently claimed on X that "London has fallen", adding on X: "I still believe in its people. And I believe it can rise again. But we need change. Real change. We need safety. We need pride. We need leadership that understands the streets, the markets, the working cI'm not right wing."
Interpreted by some as a criticism of London mayor Sadiq Khan, Skinner seemingly distanced himself from having any political allegiance, saying: "I don't vote. I've been invited to the houses of parliament by Labour to talk about small businesses."
"The problem we have about the political parties in the UK is the people behind them are normally failed business people or they have worked in the political sector they're whole working life and don't understand the real world. We need more people with a backbone in politics. Who understand the real world. Who understand real problems."
On Thursday, following criticism of his appearance on Strictly, he told the Daily Mail: "I'm not right wing. Some people will hate you without ever really knowing you."
Nonetheless, Skinner has previously declared support for Donald Trump, posting a picture of himself in a Maga hat recently.
And in November last year, Skinner reportedly posted on X: "I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that's my opinion. I think it's good he is back in charge." The post no longer appears to be live on his X profile, though Skinner acknowledged his comments at the time, asking: "How on earth has this tweet made the national papers?"
Indeed, such is his rise in right-wing circles that Skinner was even invited to meet US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks during his recent holiday to the UK. Skinner described the event as 'once in a lifetime'.
Skinner says his online presence has resulted in him receiving "death threats" and 'vile comments about my children', while his inclusion in the Strictly line-up for this year also prompted criticism from those who said he should not have been featured.
But Skinner has always firmly denied holding objectionable, racist views, saying in another recent post: "I find it mad how much hate I get on here from people on the far left.
"All I ever try to do is spread positivity. I'm not a racist. I'm not far-right. I'm not political. I love this country more than anything and want it to improve."
What was he convicted of?
Skinner has also spoken openly about a previous conviction for handling stolen goods, having been sentenced in 2011 in relation to dishonestly handling 4,992 tubes of Body Shop cleansing gels worth nearly £40,000 and having 2,000 diazepam tablets.
In February this year, Skinner referred to his conviction, which was brought up by critics when he posted online about witnessing a crime in Greggs.
At the time, he posted on X: "Still finding it mad that people are actually having a go at me on Twitter because I pointed out that Greggs got robbed whilst I was in there. And then bringing up my past.
"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.
'I never had my own bedroom at one point when I was younger and slept on a pull-out bed on the floor.
"I never had any money or had anything given to me on a plate, yet I turned my life around. I go around schools/colleges/universities telling my story hoping I can inspire others."