Strictly star Thomas Skinner’s blunt four-word response before leaving press conference

The former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner reportedly stormed out of a Strictly Come Dancing press event this week and the BBC have since issued a statement confirming his future on the show

Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Thomas Skinner reportedly exclaimed “I’m not doing this” before abruptly exiting a press event.

The former Apprentice contestant was attending a Strictly press conference on Tuesday (September 9) in anticipation of the new series of the BBC dance competition, but allegedly made a swift exit.

Thomas and other celebrities participating in this year’s series were engaging with journalists at Elstree Studios when he suddenly departed, reports Wales Online. The Mirror reported that he stated “I’m not doing this” prior to his departure.

Several reporters who were lined up to interview the star apparently missed their chance due to his unexpected exit.

READ MORE: Thomas Skinner ‘needs help’ says Lorraine Kelly as she wades into Strictly chaosREAD MORE: Tom Skinner snatches reporter’s phone in rage as he walks out of Strictly interview

In response to the incident, the BBC told the Mirror: “The BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.”

Following these reports, some Strictly fans took to social media suggesting that Thomas – who was a 2019 participant on Lord Sugar’s show – should be removed from the line-up.

However, it has been reported that Thomas will remain on the show, where he’ll compete against stars such as Ross King, Alex Kingston, Dani Dyer, Stefan Dennis and Chris Robshaw.

Thomas’ inclusion in Strictly has previously sparked controversy, with some criticising him over controversial comments made on social media.

Just hours before the press conference incident, BBC director-general Tim Davie addressed his Strictly signing while speaking to MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee.

“That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people… who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience,” he explained.

Davie continued: “Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn’t accept them.

“But that’s not the case here, from what I know, I’m not an expert on the individual, per se.”

The BBC and a representative for Thomas have been approached for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 kicks off on BBC One on Saturday, September 20