Strictly Come Dancing fans 'disgusted' as controversial star joins line up
Thomas Skinner, who is best known for appearing on The Apprentice, will be showing off his footwork for judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Mosi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke in just a few weeks' time, but because he has become known for some of his controversial views that he has posted on social media, some fans demanded were not impressed.
One fan wrote on X: "Disgusted that grifter Tom Skinner has got the #Strictly gig. Have the BBC not looked at his social media output?" to which someone replied: "Somebody who has different political opinions than me is on television. BAN THEM." but the initial tweeter insisted that is not what they meant, as X users in their droves demanded his social media history is checked, Mirror UK reports.
Another person wrote: "Oh dear God no. You really think platforming a known bigot is the right way to go for a show which has already had more than its share of troubles?" and a third said: "Appalling booking - has the BBC not seen his social media output?" as some demanded that the broadcaster check his online output.
When it comes to checking his social media, one fan said: "They probably have, which is why they haven't tagged his account in the announcement!! What a bizarre choice from them!" but another fan Strictly enthusiast went as far to say: "I'm so serious, I loved this years #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing,"
The 32-year-old Essex-born businessman, now renowned for his thriving pillow and mattress empire, initially rose to prominence on the 2019 series of Lord Alan Sugar's BBC programme, where he made it through to week nine of the competition.
Also known for his candid videos on social media platform X, Skinner's posts about business, politics and everyday life have garnered hundreds of thousands of followers. His social media presence has since sparked an extraordinary friendship with US Vice President JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate. President JD Vance recently enjoyed beers and a barbecue with The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner (Image: iamtomskinner/X)
Vance has shown support for the businessman on X after Tom claimed he received death threats and "vile comments about my children" after he posted a series of tweets in which he said "something's gone wrong" in the UK and said "there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from"
Just days ago, Tom shared a post alongside Vance, where the two were pictured together having met up for a barbecue. Hewrote: "Here is a pic of Me and Vice President @JDVance towards the end of the night after a few beers I'm overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don't risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh!"
In a second tweet, he added: "When the Vice President of the USA invites ya for a BBQ an beers, you say yes. Unreal night with JD and his friends n family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about mate. Bosh!"
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