How Strictly sparked Thomas Skinner’s year of hell & ‘almost destroyed him’… as pals say family comment ‘crossed line’

GETTING snapped up as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is seen as a career-defining moment that, for most, leads to a massive profile boost – making it one of the most in demand telly jobs in the biz. But for Thomas Skinner, his short-lived experience on the BBC show led to a “year of hell”. As a new batch of celebs are recruited to the dancefloor, we reveal The Apprentice star’s Strictly regrets and how his fourth baby is a fresh start for his marriage to wife Sinead. Thomas Skinner was first to leave Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Credit: PA Thomas had been a breakout star from The Apprentice in 2019 Credit: BBC That’s because after being announced in the Strictly line-up, the mattress-seller, whose catchphrase is “Bosh”, appeared to be the target of an orchestrated campaign to bring him down – with his family firmly in the firing line. Now an insider tells us: “Thomas had the year from hell because of Strictly – it almost destroyed him. “What should have been a fun experience turned sour. Thomas is made of strong stuff, but there’s only so much someone can be personally attacked. “It crossed the line when it impacted his family. Ever since, he’s been focused on making things right with Sinead.” Thomas became the most-talked about star in the run-up to the series. The under-pressure businessman came under fire for snatching a journalist’s phone and storming out of a Press event for the show. In the same week he broke down, admitting he had cheated on wife Sinead, mum to their kids, weeks after their wedding. The market stall-holder also faced death threats after meeting US Vice President JD Vance weeks before Strictly started. He was invited to a barbecue in the Cotswolds with Donald Trump’s right-hand man who got in touch after admiring Thomas’s motivational media posts. Despite the negativity, Thomas gave his performances his all, but it wasn’t to be. Thomas, 34, was first out after he and pro Amy Dowden fell into the bottom two after the judges’ scores from the first two weeks were added together, along with results of a public vote. He was sent home by all four judges after a dance-off with ex-England rugby star Chris Robshaw and pro Nadiya Bychkova – and pals fear bosses wanted rid because of the negative headlines. Soon after, The Sun reported Thomas’s plans to sue the BBC – claiming it rigged voting to get him off the show as quickly as possible. Sources close to the mattress-seller, whose catchphrase is “Bosh”, insisted he had proof the Beeb downplayed his public support because of negative publicity. Thomas is not believed to have forged ahead with the legal action, but in an online outburst admitted the toll Strictly took on him. He told fans: “I’ve had enough of all this b*****ks. “I can’t do anything right now without someone criticising me or making me do something against my will. Thomas broke down in tears as he admited to cheating on his wife Credit: Louis Wood He announced they were expecting another baby months later Credit: Instagram / sinead_skinner_ “It’s bulls**t. “I wish I had never done Strictly. I never fitted the bill for that show let’s be honest. “It’s caused me ­nothing but constant abuse – like I’m a mass murderer.” He added: “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.” After spending Christmas with his family, getting his marriage back on track, Thomas announced he was launching a free, weekly Sunday morning “Walk & Talk” for men’s mental health, in Essex. He has since seen hundreds of men looking to connect and discuss their struggles on the five-mile route. On his 35th birthday in February, Thomas announced he and Sinead were expecting their fourth child. It came months after he admitted having a “two-week fling” with a beauty clinic boss, but confessed to his wife after being overwhelmed with guilt. “It was the one time, it was a mistake,” he told The Sun. “I told my wife I let her down in that brief moment of madness where I wasn’t thinking, where I didn’t appreciate what I had.” Thomas with wife Sinéad Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd And with baby Archie born in June, the couple’s fourth child Credit: Instagram/Iamtomskinner The couple, who were already parents to son Henry, five, and twin daughters Roma and Darla, two, have since welcomed a new baby. His efforts to get his marriage back on track is likely to be featured in a new TV project Thomas has been involved in. Although it’s yet to be picked up by a channel, he’s been filming in hopes of landing a primetime spot. Our insider added: “Thomas has and always will be himself. He’s keen to leave behind the drama and focus what’s on important. Family. “Their fourth child could be described as a ‘band-aid baby’, but they’re confident their little boy will complete their family and be a fresh start for the couple.” Thomas introduced fans to his new bundle of joy last month. “Our beautiful baby boy, Archie Skinner,” he told fans. “The newest member of our team. I already know he’s going to be a little fighter. “Tough, strong and full of character. He completes our family perfectly. I’m loving every single second spending time with him, he is perfect.” Reflecting on his family, Thomas added: “The three older kids are now all tucked up in bed asleep and I am laying here cuddling my Archie Boy before I go to sleep myself. “I realise I’ve truly made it in life. Not money, business or TV. None of that comes close to this. This is success. “To my incredible wife, Sinéad. Thank you for giving me everything a man could ever dream of. You have given me the greatest gifts in the world. Four wonderful children. I love you. “I’m far from perfect, I never pretend to be. But I promise to spend every day being the best dad I can be. I’ll protect them, guide them and love them unconditionally. “I would give up everything tomorrow to give these four the very best future. I mean that. Family is everything. I’ve made it.” A BBC spokesman told The Sun: “Strictly Come Dancing’s ­public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”