Strictly Come Dancing: Thomas Skinner to skip grand final cast reunion amid claims he's set to sue BBC over elimination

The former star of The Apprentice was part of the 2025 cast, announced earlier this year.

He took to the dancefloor with professional partner Amy Dowden but became the first celebrity to be eliminated from the series in week two following a dance-off against ex-rugby star Chris Robshaw.

While the cast of every Strictly series normally reunites for a large group dance in the grand final each year, it has been reported that the TV star and businessman, 34, has declined the BBC’s invitation.

The Sun reports that Skinner’s hostility towards show bosses comes as a source close to him claims that he has proof that they downplayed his support in a bid to eliminate him from the show as early as possible.

A source told the newspaper: “Thomas is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it. He is determined to see it through, but there’s no way the BBC will take this sensational claim lying down. They’ll robustly defend any kinds of claims that the voting was rigged or fixed.

“Thomas was asked back but said, ‘There’s absolutely no chance’. He’s been locked in rows with bosses ever since he was sent home. He’s convinced the BBC was hell-bent on getting him out as soon as possible — no matter how many of his fans got behind him.”

Skinner’s inclusion on the cast list causes controversy for some earlier this year, due to his cosying up to right-wing politicians such as US Vice President JD Vance and various incidents in the run up to his Strictly stint. This included grabbing a phone out of a journalist’s hand during a pre-show interview and admitting to having an affair while newly married to wife Sinead.

The source added: “The BBC needed this year to go without any hiccups after the past two series were dogged by drama. Thomas was hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons — a supposed right-winger seen to be cosying up to US politicians, grabbing a journalist’s phone and confessing to having an affair wasn’t exactly the tone Strictly was striving for.”

Skinner, who is due to appear on The Celebrity Apprentice over the festive period, previously spoke out about the toll the controversy took on him. Following his elimination, he took to social media where he told his followers that his time on Strictly had caused him “nothing but aggravation”.

He said at the time: “I wish I (had) never done Strictly, I never fitted the bill for that show let’s be honest. And it’s caused me nothing but agg (aggravation). Constant abuse. All I f****** do is try to spread positivity online. I can’t walk anywhere without people knowing who I am.

“I’ve had a narrative spun against me so people always have an opinion on me now that they didn’t 3 months ago. I’ve heard so many lies said and told about me. It’s driving me mad.”

A BBC spokesperson said in response to the claims: “Strictly Come Dancing’s ­public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”