Thomas Skinner has insisted he will not be distracted by criticism as he prepares for his debut on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.
The 34-year-old businessman and TV personality – who first found fame on The Apprentice – said he would only take criticism from those he would also accept advice from. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Skinner told followers he was determined to focus on training with his professional partner Amy Dowden rather than online backlash.
“Work hard and don’t never give up. Be open to opinions and keep learning,” he posted. “But never take any criticism from anyone you wouldn’t take advice from.”
He added that he was “currently looking like a wardrobe doing the Waltz” during rehearsals, but promised fans he was “learning fast and training hard” and would be “working double hard” ahead of Saturday night’s live show.
Good Morning and happy Monday you lovely people! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I love a Monday morning, new day, new week, new start. Always Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't never give up. Be open to opinions and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy,… pic.twitter.com/Wwsv9ZeMp5
— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) September 22, 2025
Skinner has been paired with Dowden, who makes a much-anticipated return to the dance floor after missing the last two series. The Welsh professional was forced to take time away from the show while undergoing treatment for breast cancer and then following a foot injury.
Some fans voiced frustration that her comeback coincided with Skinner’s Strictly debut, questioning whether he would help her progress far in the competition. Dowden, however, publicly praised her new partner and called him “dedicated” and “full of energy”.
Away from the ballroom, Skinner has attracted controversy in recent months. He faced criticism for hosting US vice-president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks earlier this summer, and for being pictured in a Maga (Make America Great Again) cap.
He has also come under fire for social media posts in which he claimed “it is not far-right to be flying your flag and loving your country” and argued London was no longer safe, describing the capital as “hostile and tense”.
In response, Skinner said he had become a “target” and was being portrayed as “public enemy number one”. He added that he did not regret meeting Vance, saying: “I am a normal bloke and it was an amazing opportunity.”
Despite the criticism, the father-of-three vowed to keep working hard on his dancing, telling fans he intends to “go smash the day” as the Strictly live shows get underway.
