Former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has been inundated with online abuse since his Strictly Come Dancing exit and has now issued a furious statement

The charismatic Essex businessman, who won hearts on The Apprentice for his upbeat attitude and good-natured banter, appeared on Strictly in 2024, paired with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. At the time, fans adored his infectious enthusiasm, even when his dance moves left the judges less than impressed.

But now, nearly a year later, Skinner has lifted the curtain on what he says was a “miserable and manipulative” experience, claiming that the show’s “glitz and glamour” hid an environment of “pressure, exhaustion, and staged emotion.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview earlier this week, Skinner didn’t hold back. “I wish I’d never done Strictly,” he confessed bluntly. “At first, I thought it would be a laugh — learning to dance, meeting great people, maybe showing a different side of myself. But what I got was a nightmare.

It was nothing like what the public sees. Behind the smiles and sequins, it was chaos. I felt used, drained, and constantly pushed to the edge for the sake of TV drama.” His words paint a picture of a reality far removed from the joyful, family-friendly image Strictly has long maintained.

According to Skinner, the show’s producers exerted immense control over contestants, dictating not just choreography but also emotional storylines and personal narratives. “They told me what to say, when to cry, how to react,” he claimed.

“Every week, there was some kind of ‘story’ they wanted me to play into — like I was struggling, or clashing with Luba, or getting emotional about my kids. I get that it’s TV, but it stopped being fun when it stopped being real.” His comments echo past whispers from other former contestants who’ve hinted at similar manipulation but never spoken as openly.

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Thomas Skinner has hit out in a furious social media rant(Image: BBC)

Former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has issued a scathing statement on social media, expressing his regret for participating in Strictly Come Dancing after facing weeks of online abuse.

The entrepreneur, 34, was the first celebrity to be eliminated from this year’s series, alongside professional dancer Amy Dowden, after failing to impress either the judges or the public.

However, Thomas claims that the backlash since his departure has been unrelenting, leaving him struggling, reports the Express.

The intensity of rehearsals was another major factor in Skinner’s regret. He described gruelling 10-hour training sessions followed by late-night interviews and constant media commitments. “It wasn’t just dancing — it was mental torture at times,” he said. “You’d spend all day rehearsing, your body’s in bits, and then they expect you to be full of energy for press shoots and interviews.

If you looked tired, they’d say you weren’t taking it seriously. If you complained, you were labeled ‘difficult.’ It’s no wonder some celebs crumble under the pressure.” His remarks raise fresh concerns about the welfare of contestants on reality competition shows, where exhaustion and emotional strain are often hidden behind smiles and sparkles.

Perhaps most shocking was Skinner’s claim that he felt “set up” to fail. “I was never going to be the best dancer, but I gave it everything. Still, it felt like they wanted me to be the ‘funny bad dancer’ — the joke act. That’s fine if you’re in on it, but I wasn’t,” he said bitterly. “When I realized I was being edited to look like the clueless lad who couldn’t dance, it broke me a bit.

I’m happy to have a laugh at myself, but I don’t like being made a fool of for ratings.” Viewers will recall that his performances were often framed as comic relief, with judges delivering cutting remarks that, in hindsight, may have stung deeper than fans realised.

Despite his regrets, Skinner was careful to clarify that he doesn’t blame his dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, whom he described as “brilliant, patient, and kind.” “Luba was incredible. She worked so hard and really tried to keep my spirits up,” he said. “We got on great, but she was under pressure too.

The pros have it just as bad — they’re overworked and have to keep up appearances even when they’re falling apart.” His defense of Mushtuk highlights the human toll the show may take not only on celebrity contestants but also on its professional dancers, who often face relentless schedules and public scrutiny.

Skinner’s comments have reignited debate about the authenticity and ethics of reality television. While Strictly Come Dancing has long been celebrated for its family appeal, heartwarming journeys, and glittering productions, critics have increasingly accused it of emotional manipulation and backstage toxicity.

Over the years, several contestants — including Will Young, Seann Walsh, and even professional dancers like Brendan Cole — have hinted at tensions behind the scenes. Skinner’s revelations appear to add weight to those claims, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures that come with participating in one of Britain’s biggest TV shows.

In a fiery post shared on Wednesday, the former Apprentice favourite vented: “I’ve had enough of all this b****s. I can’t do anything right now without someone criticising me. Or making me do something against my will. It’s bull****.”

He added: “I wish I never done Strictly, I never fitted the bill for that show, let’s be honest. And it’s caused me nothing but agg. Constant abuse.”

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Former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has unleashed a furious statement on social media(Image: bbc)

Thomas, who has previously made headlines with his outspoken social media posts and patriotic views, continued to say that the negativity has seeped into his everyday life: “I can’t walk anywhere without people knowing who I am.”

“I’ve had a narrative spun against me so people always have an opinion on me now that they didn’t three months ago.”

Despite his regrets, Skinner was careful to clarify that he doesn’t blame his dance partner, Luba Mushtuk, whom he described as “brilliant, patient, and kind.” “Luba was incredible. She worked so hard and really tried to keep my spirits up,” he said. “We got on great, but she was under pressure too.

The pros have it just as bad — they’re overworked and have to keep up appearances even when they’re falling apart.” His defense of Mushtuk highlights the human toll the show may take not only on celebrity contestants but also on its professional dancers, who often face relentless schedules and public scrutiny.

Skinner’s comments have reignited debate about the authenticity and ethics of reality television. While Strictly Come Dancing has long been celebrated for its family appeal, heartwarming journeys, and glittering productions, critics have increasingly accused it of emotional manipulation and backstage toxicity.

Over the years, several contestants — including Will Young, Seann Walsh, and even professional dancers like Brendan Cole — have hinted at tensions behind the scenes. Skinner’s revelations appear to add weight to those claims, offering a rare glimpse into the pressures that come with participating in one of Britain’s biggest TV shows.

Despite everything, Skinner says he’s grateful for the support of fans who’ve stuck by him. “The messages I’ve had since speaking out have been incredible,” he said warmly. “People have said, ‘We loved you on Strictly no matter what.’ That means the world to me. I’ll always appreciate the good moments — but I can’t pretend the bad ones didn’t happen.” His words are a sobering reminder that behind every glitterball trophy lies a trail of hard work, heartbreak, and, sometimes, regret.

He went on: “I’ve heard so many lies said and told about me. It’s driving me mad. I’ve had a constant pile-on of abuse over the last month, like I’m a mass murderer. It’s b******t.”

The entrepreneur from Essex, known for his catchphrase “Bosh,” revealed that even some of those closest to him have started to distance themselves.

“Now people I’ve supported my whole life are starting to turn on me because they see what’s going on online,” he disclosed.

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The 34-year-old businessman was the first celebrity eliminated from this year’s series(Image: bbc)

“It ain’t real life,” he penned. “I think I need to take a break and concentrate on me and my family. Because I ain’t one to admit I’m struggling. But I am.

“I’m honestly tired of all this nonsense. Can no one see what’s happening to me? I don’t know why I’ve become this target. I’ve always been the one that’s been solid. But I’ve really, really had enough now. Bosh.”

Shortly afterwards, Thomas returned with a follow-up message offering support to others facing difficult times.

“To anyone going through s*** right now. I’m going through it too. But it WILL GET BETTER! ! !” he assured his followers.

Thomas Skinner, the beloved former Apprentice star known for his cheeky charm and larger-than-life personality, has shocked fans with a stunning admission about his time on Strictly Come Dancing.

In an explosive statement that’s left both viewers and insiders reeling, Skinner revealed that he deeply regrets ever signing up for the BBC’s glittering dance competition, describing the experience as “a nightmare behind the scenes.” The revelation has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, exposing a darker side to one of Britain’s most cherished family shows.

Despite everything, Skinner says he’s grateful for the support of fans who’ve stuck by him. “The messages I’ve had since speaking out have been incredible,” he said warmly. “People have said, ‘We loved you on Strictly no matter what.’ That means the world to me. I’ll always appreciate the good moments — but I can’t pretend the bad ones didn’t happen.” His words are a sobering reminder that behind every glitterball trophy lies a trail of hard work, heartbreak, and, sometimes, regret.

As the dust settles from Skinner’s bombshell confession, questions linger about the true cost of television fame. Has Strictly Come Dancing become too big, too polished, too controlling for its own good? And how many more former contestants will come forward with similar stories? For now, Thomas Skinner’s voice stands as a cautionary tale — a glittering dream turned sour, told by a man who once danced with joy but now wishes he’d never stepped onto the ballroom floor.

“TOUGH TIMES DONT LAST BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO! ! WE KEEP ON GOING. LOVE YOU ALL. I AM STICKING TWO FINGERS UP TO ALL THE DRY LUNCH HELMETS WHO TRY TO BRING OTHERS DOWN.”

He concluded with a message of unity, writing: “Please anyone having it hard right now, I promise it won’t last. We gotta keep pushing for each other. Bosh.”