Thomas Skinner has lifted the lid on the fee he is receiving for taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2025, describing his appearance on the BBC show as an “absolute honour.”
The Apprentice star, 34, made headlines earlier this week after storming out of a press event for the hit ballroom series.
Skinner - who is known for his ‘Bosh’ catchphrase - was taking part in interviews with fellow contestants at Elstree Studios following a morning of rehearsals when he abruptly left the room, with reports claiming he only sat through two interviews before walking out.
Speaking to The Times, the Essex businessman said: “I’m getting ten grand for Strictly but seriously, I’d do it for a tenner.” His BBC publicist later clarified the figure should not be taken as his full fee.
Skinner, who recently sparked controversy with comments claiming London is “hostile” and “not safe,” also hit the headlines last month after meeting US vice president JD Vance while on holiday in the Cotswolds.
Following criticism over his behaviour at the Strictly press day, Skinner issued a statement on Instagram Stories to “set the record straight.”
Set against a picture of the Strictly ballroom, he explained that he walked out after spotting private messages on a journalist’s phone during one of the interviews.
“In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself,” he said. “This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself. I’m sorry I picked up someone else’s phone and I don’t even know if the journalist realised their messages were visible.”
He added that the messages referenced a personal matter from his past, which he did not elaborate on, but stressed he had “worked hard to move on.”
The incident came on the same day that BBC director general Tim Davie defended Skinner’s place in the competition amid complaints over his inclusion.
“That was not my decision, that was the production team,” he told reporters. “Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale… but that’s not the case here.”
