The Streets, Royal Festival Hall review: Mike Skinner goes high culture
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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star Tom Skinner's controversial life – JD Vance link, crime past and family life
Strictly Come Dancing divided fans when they announced former The Apprentice star, Thomas Skinner, as one of the contestants in the upcoming series of the competition Strictly Come Dancing fans were divided when The Apprentice star Tom Skinner was announced as a contestant on the upcoming series of the BBC dance competition. He initially gained a huge following due to his everyman persona mainly going on about grafting hard for success. However, he has been at the receiving end of backlash in recent months due to his controversial social media posts and newly-formed friendship with US Vice President JD Vance. When the programme confirmed his stint on the show, many rushed to the comment section to share their concerns. One user said: ""Oh no. This man is so offensive," and another posted: "Yeah Strictly ... this ain't it. This is such a bad vibe choice. Ugly opinions and deeply polarising. Can't help but feel like this is going to be an own goal." Some were more supportive and wrote: "Brilliant news to get such a great character on the show. I'll certainly be watching this year. Top chap." It comes after a Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of show as he makes career announcement. Ahead of his stint on the dance competition, The Mirror took a deep dive into his life from his JD Vance friendship to controversial comments... JD Vance friendship While followers enjoyed his no-nonsense posts on X/ Twitter, he has been known to share controversial views on his personal page. He recently revealed he enjoyed a BBQ with US Vice President JD Vance after showing support for convicted felon Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Vance and Skinner previously chatted on social media before meeting "in the beautiful English countryside" where the VP is holidaying in the Cotswolds. After hanging out, Skinner wrote on X: "Unreal night with JD and his friends and family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about." He also posted a picture of himself posing with Vance after a "couple of beers". He said: "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." Vance first voiced his support for Skinner when the former Apprentice star said he was receiving 'death threats' a 'comments about his children' after he claimed 'something's gone wrong in the UK' and wanted to stand up for 'traditional, hard-working, family values.' The VP shared a picture of an 'incel' cartoon character from South Park and told him: "Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this." Controversial tweets Not only has Skinner voiced his support for Trump, he once urged people to "stop bending over backwards for the woke brigade" in a since-deleted post on X. He previously claimed on X that "London has fallen", posting to his followers: "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 class." Some thought he was criticising London mayor Sadiq Khan, but Skinner claimed he doesn't vote and distanced himself from politics. He said: "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." He recently denied being right wing after meeting up with Vance. Speaking to MailOnline following the Strictly announcement, he said: "I'm not right wing. Some people will hate you without ever really knowing you." However, he still declared support for Trump and even posed in a MAGA hat in a post shared online. In November last year, he sad in a since-deleted tweet: " David Lammy has made a proper t*t of himself hasn't he. This is the Geeza we have representing the UK. Why don't we have real people in politics, business owners and real people who actually know how to become successful and stand up for what is right. People that have been in real life situations and had to adapt. Not be a weatherc**k." Skinner added: "Anyway I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that's my opinion. I think it's good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy. UK always piggy backs off the USA. We all have opinions that is mine. Happy Wednesday I'm gonna drink another lemon Fanta and eat some paella." In a recent Tweet, Tom revealed he enjoyed "winding people up on X" as he wrote: "I love my Country. I love my Wife. I love my Kids. I love my Family. I love my Friends. I love West Ham. I love Dinos Cafe. I love my followers. I love my grub. I love winding people up on X. GOOD NIGHT GOD BLESS. BOSH" Past convictions Prior to his television appearances, commercial achievements, and celebrity status, Skinner's life took a dramatically different direction. In 2016, at just 24 years old, he as convicted for handling stolen merchandise valued at nearly £40,000 after purchasing 4,992 tubes of Body Shop cleansing gel and having 2,000 diazepam tablets from what he subsequently acknowledged was an "unreliable source". He was later sentenced and his conviction has since been spent and Skinner has since maintained he's a "changed man". He told the Daily Mail in a previous interview: "Many years ago before I had my business, I was young and naive and bought stock from someone I didn't know. "I wasn't aware the stock was stolen and paid the consequences for the mistake I made. That is now well in my past, I've had a string of successful companies since then. I am a changed man." After news of Tom's past broke just before his stint on The Apprentice in 2019 aired, a BBC spokesperson said: "DBS checks are done for all The Apprentice candidates by the production company ahead of filming. "A spent conviction is not disclosed under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Spent convictions are designed to help people move on in life and not be excluded from opportunities to help further their careers." Narinder Kaur row Narinder Kaur was one of many who slammed Strictly Come Dancing for signing Skinner onto the show. Narinder, who is best known as an ex-Big Brother contestant, took to X immediately to complain about the news that he is to be on the show as she claimed she had been deemed 'too controversial' for it herself. She said: "Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!! #BBCStrictly your unconscious bias and prejudicial views against British brown women is disgraceful." In an accompanying video, Narinder added that she was 'raging' with the broadcaster for the actions as she pointed out his criminal past. She said: "They wouldn't take me on, we approached them and they said that I was too controversial. They put brown women and black women on who are quiet because that's the kind of brown and black woman their audience likes. "But God forbid you're a brown woman who has some opinions, then they'll never take you on. But if white man, Thomas Skinner, proud patriot, Thomas Skinner, of the online right, who has got a criminal past, they'll take you on!" He soon responded: "Narinder, I respect that you stand up for what you believe in, not everyone's got the guts to do that. Yes, I've got a past, but I'm not here to divide people. "I'm just trying to get people to believe in themselves and realise they can do more than they think. Life can be so much better when you let happiness in and don't always be angry towards others. If I've ever upset you, I'm sorry… that's never been my intention. I wish ya nothing but peace, happiness, and a life you can truly enjoy. Bosh." Strictly Come Dancing backlash Since the announcement of Tom joining the Strictly line-up, he was met with a lot of backlash online. As the news was shared on Strictly's official Instagram page, one viewer wrote: "A disgusting booking on a show that seemingly celebrates inclusivity and diversity." Another show fan said: "I cannot believe you're platforming this guy." While a third added: "Awful choice" followed by two green faced emoji. Tom has since responded to the backlash on his X page as he tweeted: "They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my instagram lost about going on strictly." He then shared a link to Instagram as he went on: "Have a look at some of these on Instagram …. Why are some people so angry that don't even know me. Not Bosh." In a later post, Tom revealed why he thinks he's been branded a controversial signing to the show. He wrote: "Good morning you lovely people!! Big day today! It's the first day filming for Strictly! Buzzing for it, proud as anything, but the reason I'm up and out the door at 2.30am is because I've got to get all my normal work done beforehand! "I have had so much love on here btw, just wanted to say thank you for all the support. Some call me 'controversial,' but I think it's just a dig at normal, hard-working people if I'm honest. But we don't let that stop us. We keep going, we look out for each other, and we use it to drive us forward. I would absolutely LOVE to be able to sleep in bed till about 6 or 7, but with 3 kids, a lovely home, and a wife who's in Marks & Spencer four times a week, I've got to keep the wheels turning! "So whatever's in your way today, don't let it slow ya down. Back yaself and back each other, and keep smiling whilst ya do it. I'll be having a pint later this evening in my local…..so if you are around that area. Beers on me. Have a blinding day everyone. Bosh". Family life The Strictly Come Dancing star regularly shares updates of his family life on social media. Tom is married to wife Sinéad Chambers and the couple, who wed in May 2022, share three children together. Tom and Sinéad first welcomed son Henry in October 2020 and also share twin daughter's Darla and Roma, who were born in June 2023. He regularly shares snaps of his family life on Instagram featuring his wife and two children. Earlier this week, he posted a sweet snap of his family of five as they took a trip to Blenheim Palace where he shared a photo of his clan and wrote on the Instagram share: "We had the most beautiful afternoon walking around the amazing Blenheim Palace. The architecture is simply stunning and the history was incredible. Kids absolutely loved it too. Great family day out. Bosh". Sinéad responded with a gushing comment which read: "Making memories with our little family is my favourite". As well as sharing snaps from family days out, he also gives fans a glimpse inside his home as she shared a video of himself prepping his Sunday roast dinner earlier this month. He wrote in the caption: "Happy Sunday you lovely people. My favourite day of the week and it's a Skinner tradition. A big old roast dinner, and look at this stunning bit of sirloin beef from me local butcher, all me veg from the local farm shop and we are gonna feast on this, going to enjoy a nice can of thatchers whilst I cook. Sending love to you are yours. Have a wonderful one. Bosh". Tom previously revealed his motivation for 'working so hard' as he shared photos of his family at Christmas time. He wrote in a tweet: "This is why i work so hard. I'm so lucky to have 3 beautiful children, Henry, Darla & Roma! I love them so much. I will give them everything in life and will teach them manors, respect, kindness and love. My little ones will learn that anything you dream in life can be achieved with hard work and persistence. My wonderful wife Sinéad & I are double proud parents. Bosh". The Apprentice "I always think back to where I was in my life many years ago; Selling knocked off goods, sleeping on a fold out bed on the floor downstairs and driving a clapped out £500 van," Skinner once told The Sun as he discussed his rise to fame. The star was thrust into the spotlight when he appeared on The Apprentice in 2019, lasting all the way to the quarter-finals. At the time, he was the owner of The Fluffy Pillow Company, which sold beds, mattresses and memory foam pillows of his design. He applied to the show after his girlfriend of the time convinced him to but was fired by Lord Alan Sugar in week nine.
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
Who is Thomas Skinner? Strictly backlash and controversies explained
Thomas Skinner has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing amid plenty of uproar. The BBC show has landed some big names for the upcoming series, ranging from former Love Island star Dani Dyer to Doctor Who legend Alex Kingston. However, many fans have been left furious after the 34-year-old former Apprentice candidate was unveiled for the Latin and ballroom show. Skinner has been criticised for his outspoken political views in the past, and Strictly viewers have been quick to complain about his casting on social media. 'This might be the worst casting call in years,' complained @thejasvalentine, while @109mph quipped: 'April Fools was 134 days ago…' Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. It's fair to say not everyone is pleased to see him in the lineup, but why? Here's everything you need to know. Thomas Skinner rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2019, making it to week nine of the programme. He impressed viewers and Lord Alan Sugar himself on the series, with the business mogul describing him for his 'honourability' and 'say it as it is' nature. At the time of filming, he owned The Fluffy Pillow Company, which sold beds, mattresses and his own design for memory foam mattresses. Skinner made the most of his time in the spotlight, catching on with his 'bosh' catchphrase and amassing a large social media following. He's also appeared on the likes of Celebrity MasterChef and 8 Out of 10 Cats, even if he's got his fair share of critics. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Skinner's day job still revolves around pillows, although the company has changed over the years. In 2022, he resigned as director of Bosh Beds, which has since dissolved. Now, according to Companies House he's a director at The Fluffy Pillow Company, which specialises in mattresses, beds and pillows. Skinner has been open about his past, which includes a conviction for handling £40,000 worth of stolen goods in 2011. He has written on X: '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.' In recent weeks, Skinner claimed he'd faced 'death threats' and 'vile comments' about his children after sharing a series of posts on social media in which he said, 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and that 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. 'Absolutely disgusting booking. Shameful BBC,' said @RyanJL after the recent announcement, while fan page @concontextSCD_ asked: 'Right so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!' And @alexanderls3 ranted: 'I'm so serious, I loved this years #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing.' Others have defended the booking, with one user describing the move as 'a superb signing for common sense and decency'. Skinner addressed the recent backlash in a statement when he thanked the 'legends' supporting him. Skinner wrote: 'Never in a million years did I think I would Recieve the amount of messages of support (and the also amount of hate) 😂 But thank you to everyone. You're absolutely legends. 'I'm gonna sit and have a few cold ones and take in what's actually going on. Life is crazy. Gotta grab everything with both hands and take it for what it is. Hope you have a wonderful afternoon. Love you all. Bosh❤️ (sic)' Earlier this week Skinner met US vice president JD Vance, who is currently holidaying in the Cotswolds. 'Unreal night with JD and his friends and family. He was a proper gent. Lots of laughs and some fantastic food. A brilliant night, one to tell the grand kids about,' he tweeted. During the 2024 United States presidential election, Skinner expressed support for then-Republican candidate Donald Trump. 'I love Trump I think he is brilliant, that's my opinion. I think it's good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy,' he said. In terms of his own politics, he has defended the notion of national pride, while sparking criticism for writing that it 'was not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country'. He has also claimed London was 'hostile', 'tense' and 'not safe out there anymore'. Thomas Skinner married his partner Sinead Chambers over three years ago, in May 2022. At the time, they already had a 19-month old son together, and in June 2023 they welcomed twin daughters into the world. He missed their birth as they were born four weeks early, and he was in North Carolina to manage a West Ham Legends team when his wife had 24 hours to undergo an emergency C-section. You are enough. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are. Never forget that your light makes the world brighter just by being in it. Keep going, you beautiful person, you've got this. Bosh❤️(Love this old picture of Sinéad and me, 8 years ago in Amsterdam) — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 10, 2025 The first flight out wasn't for five hours, so Tom decided to go back to the football match – which was part of the TCT Tournament – just in time for kick-off. More Trending 'They had all these wires hanging out of them, all these tubes,' he told The Sun as he recalled arriving at the hospital once he was able to fly home. 'I thought, 'Bless your little cotton socks, I'm never not going to be there for you ever again – and I will never let you down.'' View More » Metro has contacted the BBC for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly's La Voix is already getting hate – and the reason is depressing MORE: Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova shares major health update after 'scary' fall MORE: Strictly 2025 line-up confirms Arsenal star and Game of Thrones legend
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to have Thomas Skinner on Strictly
It comes after Skinner met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with the 34-year-old – who befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X – describing the event as 'once in a lifetime'. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision (Lucy North/PA) 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. Following the post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my instagram lost about going on strictly. Have a look at some of these on Instagram …. Why are some people so angry that don't even know me… — Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 14, 2025 Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Strictly, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as judges. The BBC has been approached for comment.
