By Jessica Sansome

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Thomas Skinner has shared a post hailing his Strictly Come Dancing partner as a ‘legend’ as he was seen enjoying time with his family ahead of his ballroom debut. The former Apprentice candidate is among the 15 celebrities who have signed up for the BBC One dance contest this year. Thomas and his fellow contestants will be seen making his first appearance in the famous Strictly ballroom this Saturday (September 20) as the pre-recorded launch show airs. The first show of the 2025 series will see hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcome the new Strictly stars on the dance floor before they meet their professional partner for the first time. There will also be a number of other Strictly treats and surprises, including a sizzling group routine from the show’s talented pros as well as a special musical performance. While fans have to wait until the weekend to discover the new pairings, Thomas has hinted that he’s working hard in training, and getting on well with his pro, as they’re already in training for the first dance, which will feature in the first live show of the 23rd series on September 27. In his own update, Thomas shared a typed-out message to his Instagram Story, which read: “Absolutely CREAM CRACKERED!!! Just got home from Strictly training and my legs are burning! “I’m just really enjoying dancing, in fact, a lot more than what I thought. My partner is teaching me some amazing stuff. They are a legend!” Meanwhile, the social media personality was seen all smiles this week with his wife, Sinead, just days after admitting he’d cheated with an Essex beautician. The pair looked without-a-care as they tucked into a Chinese buffet in Brentwood. Laughing and joking on the family night out, the couple seemed to have moved on from the drama. last weekend, Thomas took part in a tearful tell-all interview in which he admitted to having had a “fling” with an “attractive” single mum who gave him a free cosmetic treatment after they met in a pub. Thomas, who has three children with his wife, said in the video interview with the Sun on Sunday: “I’m just so lucky that she forgave me. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she were to never speak to me again. “It just shows you that 10 minutes can just ruin your whole life”. He added: “I had a fling, I suppose, it was nothing more than that, it was the one time, it was a mistake, then I woke up feeling absolutely terrible about it”. He then went on to post a lengthy statement on X, where he wrote: “My life ain’t perfect…..far from it. I’ve made big mistakes, I’ve let people down, and done things I’ll always regret in my past. “The worst was what I did to my wife three and a half years ago…..one stupid moment I’ll carry forever. It was nothing more and nothing less despite what is being said. I told her straight away. She had every right to leave me back then, but she forgave me…….and that forgiveness changed my life. “Since then, we’ve built a new home, had two more beautiful children, and moved forward together. We are stronger. Family is everything to me. It’s what I do everything for. “But I’ve noticed I’ve become a target. Every part of my life is being dragged out….. even my families. People around me have been offered BIG money to sell stories. And I’ve noticed I’m being portrayed as public enemy number 1. They’re trying to break me and get me cancelled.” Thomas went on to say that he has got a “thick skin”, adding: “The abuse and death threats don’t bother me. In fact some lies make me laugh.” He continued: “I’ve got an extremely chequered past… more than most. I’ve never shied away from that. I’ve made mistakes and if you dig you’ll find more. But here’s the truth: most people have made mistakes. “It’s okay to own up to them, it’s okay to talk about them and people do deserve second chances. At the end of the day, it’s about getting back up, rebuilding, and looking after the ones you love. And as long as I’ve got my family, I’ll never stop fighting to be a better man. “I’ve been forced into a corner to bring up something my wife and I have moved on from years ago. I feel so bad for my wife for having to do this. It’s humiliating for her. I’m sure I’m gonna be forced to talk about other moments that have happened in my life. I’m not sure why everyone is so interested in me… “But if I am completely honest….. no one else’s opinions matter apart from those I care about. I Never take any criticism from anyone i wouldn’t take advice from. That’s the truth. Is it all worth it….? We keep on going. I know what is right and what is wrong. Love to you all.”