Thomas Skinner’s exit from the BBC’s popular dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, has become increasingly controversial following the release of new voting data. The figures suggest that Skinner received a mere 1.4 percent of the public vote during his elimination, undermining his claims of a rigged vote and complicating his legal threats against the BBC.
Skinner, a contestant known for his appearance on The Apprentice, has sought legal advice amid accusations that BBC executives manipulated the voting process to remove him from the show. On the night of his departure, he received an anonymous email purportedly from a BBC executive, claiming he had garnered significantly more votes than reported. Skinner stated he has since had this email “independently verified,” but has not disclosed any details about this verification.
Despite Skinner’s assertions, an independent poll conducted by the website Strictly Spoiler, which surveyed 125,000 viewers, indicated that he received only 1,805 votes, the lowest of any contestant. This data aligns with the official voting figures, suggesting that Skinner’s popularity was not as high as he claimed. A source familiar with the situation remarked, “The poll, which is larger than an exit poll for a general election, comprehensively shows that Skinner was the least popular contestant by a long way. There is no conspiracy. These are the cold, hard facts.”
As the controversy unfolds, Skinner has also parted ways with his representation from Insanity Agency, which also represents other notable figures such as Sam Thompson and Martin Kemp. This separation occurred within a day of his public statements regarding the BBC. Despite reports of his split with the agency, Skinner maintained that he was still represented by them when approached for comment.
Skinner has linked his exit to his recent meeting with JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, claiming that the BBC was “angry and nervous” about his involvement with political figures. He emphasized his lack of political ambition, stating, “I’ve been made out by the press to be this political figure. If anyone was to get an opportunity like what I did, they would have taken it.”
The former contestant has asserted that he requested to see the official voting figures but was denied access. He indicated that the BBC’s welfare team encouraged him to seek legal counsel regarding his exit, adding, “I have spoken about the email I received to senior people and the BBC welfare team, who, by the way, I genuinely respect.”
In a twist of events, Skinner remarked on the recent resignation of a senior BBC figure, speculating that the timing could be “coincidental.” He mentioned that Tim Davie, the BBC Director-General, had resigned shortly after his claims surfaced, though he refrained from suggesting any direct connection.
Despite the gravity of the situation, BBC insiders have expressed disappointment in Skinner’s allegations, noting that the Corporation had extended significant support to him throughout various controversies during his time on the show. Skinner’s past controversies include admitting to an affair in September 2022, shortly after his marriage, and failing to repay a £50,000 COVID loan.
In response to the voting data, Skinner has expressed skepticism, stating, “I know for a fact that the information you have is not accurate.” He declined to reveal how he verified the anonymous email but insisted that he is not seeking further public confrontation over the matter. He conveyed a desire to move on with his life, stating, “I want to be clear: I don’t hate the BBC… I’m not looking for conflict.”
The BBC has firmly denied any manipulation of the voting process, with a spokesperson stating, “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy every week. Any claims to the contrary are entirely without foundation.” The independent voting verification company, PromoVeritas, confirmed that all votes are validated and reported no issues with the voting process.
As this story continues to develop, both Skinner’s claims and the BBC’s responses will likely remain in the public eye, capturing the attention of fans and commentators alike.
