BBC executives have reportedly convened emergency discussions regarding the future involvement of Thomas Skinner on the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. After the announcement of The Apprentice contestant’s participation in the BBC dance show, fans expressed mixed reactions.
This development follows an incident where Skinner abruptly left an interview on Tuesday after seizing a reporter’s phone. During a roundtable interview at the BBC’s Elstree Studios, the 34-year-old star declared, ‘I’m not doing this,’ before exiting the discussion, causing a stir among journalists present.
Concerns have arisen within the network about Skinner’s suitability for the show, particularly given his current prominence on social media platforms. A source informed DailyMail that the ongoing controversies surrounding Skinner are not in line with the desired smooth progression of the show’s new series.
In a separate event preceding Skinner’s interview departure, BBC executive Tim Davie addressed the decision to cast Skinner during a session with the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, emphasizing that the selection process aimed to engage both willing participants and individuals perceived as captivating to viewers.
Regarding previous criticisms from presenter Narinder Kaur, who questioned the casting of Skinner, Davie refuted claims that Kaur was rejected for being “too controversial” for the show. He explained the casting decisions are primarily orchestrated by BBC Studios in collaboration with entertainment commissioners to ensure a diverse and engaging ensemble for the program.
Davie clarified that while extreme views are not tolerated, Skinner’s inclusion did not contravene these principles. He highlighted the show’s commitment to assembling a cast that resonates positively with the audience.
As the situation continues to unfold, there has been no official statement from the BBC on the matter.