Strictly hopeful Thomas Skinner‘s future on the BBC dance program was in doubt last night after he stormed out of a press launch for the latest season.
The Apprentice star, who faced online criticism for meeting US Vice President JD Vance while he was in the UK, took exception too his interviews being taped.
Following his meltdown at the BBC studios in Elstree, Hertfordshire, bosses were locked in crisis talks over Skinner’s further involvement in the show.
One BBC insider said: ‘What Tom did was a disgrace. It’s normal for interviews of this nature to be taped. He totally overreacted.’
A female journalist had asked Skinner why he was taking part in Strictly when he noticed he was being recorded and bellowed: ‘What’s that?’
He picked up the journalist’s phone from the table,prompting the woman to ask him: ‘What are you doing? Can you answer the question? We have only got three minutes. I’m just recording him.’
Skinner, 34, told the table of journalists: ‘I’m not doing this’, and fled despite bosses trying to placate him.
His outburst came on the same day BBC Director-General Tim davie endorsed having him on the show.
Speaking to MPs, Mr Davie said: ‘We wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale… But that’s not the case here, from what I know.’
A corporation spokesman said: ‘The BBC is very clear that any behavior which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.’
Insiders told the Daily Mail that The Apprentice star, 34, only took part in two interviews before exiting the event held at Elstree Studios, leaving organisers furious.
Thomas was sitting next to former Chelsea star and fellow Strictly contestant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he fled.
A source said: ‘This is exactly what Strictly did not need. With all the recent controversy,bosses wanted this series to be smooth sailing but Thomas is already causing havoc.
‘It’s unprecedented for a celebrity to walk out of the show’s media launch day and bosses think it’s really bad form.width:100%” loading=”lazy” />
Age: 66