Thomas Skinner has been confirmed as the tenth celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The hit BBC Studios show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, with a fresh lineup of famous faces ready to hit the dancefloor.
Skinner first rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2019, where his larger-than-life personality made him a breakout star.
Since then, he has appeared on programmes including 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It, as well as delivering a much-talked-about appearance on Celebrity MasterChef.
A proud Romford native, Skinner describes himself as a “grafter” and has spent much of his career working on market stalls.
He now runs several small businesses and has built a huge online following thanks to his motivational videos -- often filmed over his famously unconventional breakfasts.
Skinner teased his Strictly appearance on social media before it was confirmed by former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson on Hits Radio on Thursday.
In a post on X, Skinner said: “I better start learning how to dance. Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly – can’t wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh.”
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Skinner added: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing.
“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!”
It comes after the 34-year-old met US Vice-President JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, with Skinner – who befriended Donald Trump’s number two on social media platform X – describing the event as “once in a lifetime”.
I better start learning how to dance 😂😂 Honestly over the moon to be asked to be a contestant on @bbcstrictly - Can’t wait to learn and give it me best shot. Bosh❤️ pic.twitter.com/ubys9kqSZ2
— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) August 14, 2025
Skinner 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 and a message that read: “Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.”
Skinner will 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.
