Latest news with #TomSkinner
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Inside the special relationship between JD Vance and ‘bosh' king Tom Skinner
He made a name for himself peddling pillows with all the gusto of a modern-day Del Boy: the 'absolute guv'nor' of 'graft' who belts out 'Bosh!' like a battle cry and has somehow made the way he pours gravy a key element of his persona. This is Thomas, or Tom Skinner, or 'The Original Bosh' as he calls himself, a Very British Businessman who found fame on The Apprentice – and just a few years later, improbably (or not, as it may be) finds himself sharing beers with the vice-president of the United States, and at the centre of a burgeoning class culture war. This week, 34-year-old Skinner is facing a wave of criticism over that meeting and his latest career turn. The circulating image of the latter created somewhat of a storm – Skinner, wearing a suit and his famous grin, leaning over a much more casually attired JD Vance, both awkwardly giving a thumbs up. Writing on social media, Skinner said: 'When the vice president of the USA invites ya for a BBQ [and] 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 grandkids about, mate. Bosh.' Within hours, the photo of the unlikely diplomatic exchange was ricocheting across social media, accumulating tens of thousands of likes. The meeting – at a 'booze-fuelled' summer barbecue in the Cotswolds – took place during Vance's English holiday, in the same week he met Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for breakfast. The pair bonded in recent weeks after Vance sent him a supportive meme on X and their online friendship culminated in the invitation to the event with the vice-president. The question is, why would Donald Trump's right-hand man have any interest in being seen with Skinner, a perennially tanned, former market trader from Romford, Essex? For the same reason that the BBC announced him as an upcoming contestant on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. Since he made a big impression on viewers of The Apprentice in 2019, Skinner has traded on his 'man of the people', plain-talking, working-class image and, unsurprisingly, it's made him extremely popular. For the right, it has been political gold dust. Skinner is the supposed embodiment of the ordinary British families – no airs, no graces, just so-called authenticity and greasy fry-ups. His relatability has amassed him more than 700,000 followers on Instagram, just over half a million on TikTok and a similar figure on X. Across his platforms, you'll find him posing with 'proper English grub' like pies at the pub or toad in the hole, which he pours gravy over, making sure not to look at the plate as he does so – a trademark of his, albeit quite a baffling one. His pride and joy is his Ford Transit van; his brand, a nostalgic celebration of British culture, family, land, and hard graft, pitched as the mirror image of 'ordinary working voters'. Except, 'ordinary working voter', in 2025, has shifted significantly in meaning – and so now, apparently, has Skinner's politics. His brand draws heavily on a certain kind of working-class masculinity: entrepreneurial, salt-of-the-earth, no-nonsense, 'honest' people 'left behind' by modern Britain. The sort of people who hate being told what to do, especially by middle-class politicians they can't relate to. 'We need leadership that understands the streets, the markets, the working class,' he wrote recently on X, in a post that caught the eye of those noting his recent, subtle shift. 'People like me.' However, despite his white-man-van persona, Skinner attended the prestigious Brentwood School, which carries day fees of £29,112 per year, or boarding fees of £56,358 on a sports scholarship and grew up in relative affluence in a house worth more than £2.5m. His father, Lee, was a 'mega-rich marketing boss and businessman who was once able to have a garage full of Lamborghinis' (before being bankrupted over his role in a suspected investment fraud). This part of Skinner's life, however, doesn't fit into a carefully crafted rags-to-riches narrative. According to readers, his book, Graft: How to Smash Life, glossed over much of his childhood. So how authentic is the 'hard-working' hero his marketing suggests? Certainly, cosplaying in a working-class identity is hardly new nor rare, particularly on the political right, but rather a strategic decision. From financier Nigel Farage's well-worn pub pint pics to trust-fund Trump's blue-collar bravado, the trick is more than familiar: adopt the aesthetics and language of a class you do not belong to, then trade on the credibility and, particularly when it comes to working classness, the protection from criticism that it grants you. For Skinner – who openly showed support for Donald Trump last year and has said he'd like to run for mayor of London – the point is that the spin he's put on his background offers hope, or some sort of proof that happiness and success can come from true grit alone if you just have the right attitude, no matter how much society shows you that simply isn't the case. The Conservative Party, following Reform UK's lead, have taken the idea very seriously. And it's Tory MPs who have acted as Skinner's gateway to his latest association in US politics. Vance was not Skinner's first political collaboration – that was with shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick. The politician, who also had his meeting with Vance this week, once filmed a pretty excruciating video with Skinner in which he claimed that 'tool theft' among tradesmen was high on his political agenda. They were reportedly introduced by James Orr, associate professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Cambridge – the man who spotted Skinner's potential to 'speak human', as he puts it. 'I guess the way I look at it is kind of in the same way organisations have secret agents,' says Dr Mikey Biddlestone, of the University of Kent. 'Where they pinpoint and target the nerdy scientist who's the perfect person to groom into helping with their mission. 'They're hijacking this brand that already exists to be a mouthpiece for the content that they want to spread, to the demographic they want to reach.' Agreements with influencers are valuable, according to Professor Stephan Lewandowsky, because of a 'fantasy industrial complex', an imaginary world, or closed loop between politicians, influencers and audiences in which reality is less important than emotional recognition (or facts, Biddlestone adds). The mechanics are simple: Skinner's cheerful posts and 'everyman' appeal draw eyeballs; the algorithm rewards the content with further reach; the association between the two men and, crucially, what they stand for, quietly settles into the minds of their shared audience. And yet not a single policy point has been uttered publicly between them. The danger lies in what comes next or, as Biddlestone describes, the likely 'mission creep' that ensues in partnerships like this one. 'Like an insidious push towards an extreme idea,' he explains, 'where you introduce very small amounts of changes in perspective or messaging. And then it's a bit like that frog in boiling water analogy – before you know it, you've been nudged into an extremist right-wing perspective.' And who's going to argue with the guy who got famous simply by saying that hard work and family values matter? Skinner might have avoided being overtly political so far, but he's certainly at least right-wing coded. More worryingly, he's also one carefully selected mouthpiece in a much broader trend of political actors talking to influencers they see as being able to 'play' the working class for power. He might insist he's only interested in a hard day's graft and having a laugh, but already he's making very big political statements. The question is not just what Skinner will do with that, but how others might benefit from it. Bosh.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing bosses 'taking inspiration from I'm A Celeb' with 'risk'
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing's latest line-up has been met with criticism ahead of the latest series of the BBC show, and a PR expert has hinted at tactics bosses have used Strictly Come Dancing has been involved in a number of scandals of late and fans have been left less than impressed with the latest celebrity line-up. While viewers of the BBC show have called the latest batch of famous faces "underwhelming," the inclusion of Tom Skinner had them in uproar. The former star of The Apprentice was met with huge backlash following the announcement he is to take to the dance floor. It comes as some of his controversial views online have been called out in recent weeks. He has also opened up about his relationship with US vice president JD Vance. But a PR expert believes that while bosses made a surprise call by including the reality TV star, she also admitted it could be a "tactic" to gain more headlines. It comes as Strictly star La Voix commits to a huge live show during the competition. PR Carla Speight said of Tom's inclusion: "After all the scandals from the last series of Strictly, I'm surprised we've got a new series. This time round, it appears they've taken inspiration from the team behind I'm A Celebrity and booked a polarising character to grab the headlines, and it's worked. "Given that there's been scandal after scandal in recent years for the BBC, alongside mass accusations of being biased and drama over the years behind the glittery scenes of the Ballroom favourite, I'm genuinely surprised we have a new series. "This time round, they should have played it safe in a bid to regain trust with celebrities with bigger profiles, but instead they decided to go for more drama." She went on: "From a PR strategy perspective, they had two choices: play it safer, risking a decline in viewing figures, in order to attract bigger stars in the future with some investment and good PR. Or book a polarising cast member, who appeases the right in the hope it softens them and reduces the volume of people questioning their license fees. Tom Skinner is ideal for that, though I doubt the longstanding fans of the supposedly family-friendly show will be pleased to watch him if he makes it past the first episode." Carla also revealed that his relationship with Vance could strengthen the motive behind his booking. However, she said: "I wonder if this could end up being a step and a shimmy too far right for the Strictly team to handle. Strictly's loyal LGBTQ+ and female viewers won't be impressed by this at all, given what's happening in the US and what's happened behind the scenes of previous series of the BBC flagship show. "It is surprising that the BBC bosses approved his casting, as they should be focusing on rebuilding the Strictly brand after all the abuse and misconduct reported in recent years. But instead, they've opted for taking the same tactics as a rage-baiting YouTube clip. "An institution, with loyal fans who expect better of them, resorting to this tactic could be a sign that this is the last Tango for the hit series." Further adding her view on the addition of Tom, Carla went on: "There's been an immediate uproar over his booking, but then that's probably what the bosses were hoping for. Rage baiting is a simple tactic to guarantee headlines, and the US will pick it up, too, given Tom's recent affiliations. "For Tom, that's great news; he'll gain more followers both in the UK and the US who share the same views. It's also a win for Strictly bosses as they're everywhere now and trending online, but at what cost in the long term?" She concluded by saying that "only time will tell" if this is a good move for the show.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly's Dani Dyer, Tom Skinner and Gladiator Nitro arrive at show rehearsals – as full line up is revealed
STRICTLY Come Dancing stars Dani Dyer, Tom Skinner and Gladiator Nitro have all been spotted arriving at rehearsals for the show, as buzz about the new series continues. Today the final contestant was announced, and now the full line up of stars has been revealed. 8 8 8 8 Apprentice star Thomas, Love Island ' star's Dani Dyer and Gladiator Nitro - who's real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey - have kicked off their Strictly Come Dancing journey The trio were seen heading into their first rehearsal, after being named as part of the all star line-up. They looked happy and relaxed, after revealing their joy at taking part in the show. After he was announced as a Strictly 2025 star, Nitro said: "It's one of those things that you're so, so excited about. It is a massive process, but I can't wait to be a part of it." Dani who was announced second, said: "Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! "I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on." While Thomas, who was revealed just yesterday, said: "I'm so looking forward to it, I'm excited, I'm buzzing. "I cannot dance but I'm going to learn how to dance, I'm going to try and win it." They were later joined by fellow contestants Vicky Pattison, Ellie Goldstein and Alex Kingston, who were also spotted heading into rehearsals. The stars are getting ready for the Strictly launch show next month, which will see them reveal who their have been partnered with. STRICTLY BACKLASH Meanwhile, after it was revealed Tom had been signed up for Strictly, there was some backlash due to his past. The star has 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." 8 8 8 8 Thomas is known for his outspoken political opinions on social media, having expressed support for President Donald Trump. However, some 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?!" "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. However, other fans have defended the star and 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." The Sun previously approached representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Thomas Skinner for comment.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Strictly Come Dancing stars spotted heading to rehearsals as line-up is revealed
The Strictly Come Dancing line-up has been announced and some of the stars of the upcoming series are already getting their rehearsals in. Over the past few days, the famous faces set to hit the dance floor have been revealed, including former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, former The Apprentice star Tom Skinner, podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, 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. When Vicky Pattison was announced as part of the line-up on This Morning today, she admitted she was "terrified." READ MORE: Miranda Hart supported by fans after issuing health update on debilitating condition READ MORE: Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova breaks silence on horror fall during rehearsals and confirms show future She said: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up … but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. 'I am not a natural dancer! However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way, and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!' Meanwhile, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, who is best known for playing Paul Robinson on the now-cancelled Australian show, said: 'I'm very, very excited to be doing something that is completely and utterly out of my comfort zone. But also, because of that, quietly petrified.' He continued: 'My gorgeous wife, wherever she is, she's somewhere out there, Gail, is a professional dancer and she's been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way for her, I'm sure. 'Because I just keep burying my head in the sand going, 'No, this is not happening', she's been giving me some good tips but that doesn't mean I'm any good. 'People are going to be sick of me by the end of the year, because not only am I going to be doing Strictly, with all that coverage, but also Neighbours is on until the end of the year, because even though we finished filming a month ago, it's on air until December.' And it seems the new batch of contestants are not wasting any time getting their practicing in, with the show set to kick off in just a few weeks. Football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, model Ellie, drag star La Voix and actor Stefan Dennis have all been spotted entering a London studio, perfecting their moves as they await the reveal of their professional partners. However, pro dancer Gorka Marquez won't be paired with a celebrity this year due to other commitments, but will still participate in group dances. The new series is just around the corner, with the latest batch of celebs hoping to clinch the coveted Glitterball Trophy, last year taken home by Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, reports the Mirror. In July, the BBC announced two 'incredible' new professional dancers, US-born Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, will be joining Strictly. The popular show, 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.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who is Strictly's Thomas Skinner? The Apprentice star with a criminal conviction who posed in a MAGA hat
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."
