By Elizabeth Cotton

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Strictly Come Dancing Thomas Skinner proved a “controversial” choice for many viewers of the BBC show, as his content often provokes outrage online. The 34-year-old was announced as the tenth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, as confirmed by Sam Thompson on Hits Radio. He first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, and found himself as a breakout star of his series. Since leaving the boardroom, Thomas has appeared on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It, alongside a memorable and “meme-worthy” appearance on Celebrity Master Chef. On joining the Strictly ballroom, Thomas said: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing . I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! “I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!” Thomas is known for his various videos on social media where he ends them with a simple “Bosh” that has become quite memorable amongst his fans. The star came under fire when he was pictured having a barbecue with JD Vance – Vice President of the USA. Known for his right wing politics, fans were concerned that Thomas agreed with such views. Following his meeting, Thomas revealed: “Since I posted that picture I’ve had loads of death threats. People saying they want me dead, saying I am this political figure that I’m actually not. “I actually really ain’t. I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in the world right now. Now the left seems to be attacking me every day on social media. The right seems to see me as this figurehead and it’s all been a bit much for me, if I’m honest with you.” Reflecting on the invite, he added: “Put yourself in my shoes. What would you do? You’re a normal person. And, I’ve been given this opportunity to sit with the vice president of the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America. To me that was, ‘Wow’.” He rose to stardom following his appearance on series 19 of The Apprentice. He finished in eighth place before being fired by Lord Sugar in week nine. Thomas was born in Romford, East London, and rose to fame as a market trader and pillow salesman before his appearance on the show. Speaking about Lord Sugar, Thomas shared: “He’s a nice bloke! I’ve got his number and we have a chat every now and then. I’ve asked him for a bit of advice and I’ve sold him kind of bits and pieces too!'” Just days before the Strictly launch, Thomas confessed that he had cheated on his wife weeks before their wedding. Him and Sinead exchanged vows back in 2022. He shares three children with his wife – Henry, Darla and Roma. He expressed that it was the ‘biggest mistake of his life’ as Thomas encountered the woman at a pub where she offered him “cosmetic slimming treatments.” The aftermath “was a very, very dark time”, he said, adding that his wife “never deserved that, she’s such a good person, without her I wouldn’t be where I am today – she made me”. He claimed that bereavement influenced his actions, with the affair occurring just one day after a close friend, known as Big Mark, had tragically passed away. Mark had housed Thomas when he was without a home and served as a paternal figure to him.