Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has launched legal action against the BBC, alleging the show’s voting process unfairly contributed to his early exit from the competition.
The 34-year-old businessman and reality TV star — best known for his “Bosh” catchphrase and previous appearance on The Apprentice — claims the broadcaster downplayed public support for him amid a backdrop of negative publicity, resulting in his elimination during week two of the series.
Thomas was partnered with professional dancer Amy Dowden and became the first celebrity to leave the competition after the pair fell into the bottom two and lost the dance-off. All four judges voted for their exit, leaving Dowden visibly upset.
Allegations Over Voting Transparency
Under Strictly’s voting system, judges’ scores from the first two weeks are combined with a public vote — though the BBC does not disclose individual voting figures.
Thomas now alleges he has evidence suggesting his public vote tally was not reflected accurately, contributing to his placement in the dance-off. Sources close to him say he believes his popularity with viewers was underestimated.
“Thomas is adamant he received strong public backing,” one source said.
“He feels the figures didn’t align with the response he was seeing and believes he has proof.”
The BBC has consistently maintained that Strictly’s voting process is independently verified and robust.
Fallout Behind the Scenes
The dispute has reportedly strained Thomas’s relationship with the show’s producers. He has confirmed he will not attend the upcoming series final, where eliminated contestants traditionally return for a group performance.
“He was invited back but declined,” a source claimed.
“He feels deeply wronged and doesn’t want to be part of the celebration.”
Co-stars are said to be shocked by the escalation, particularly as the final marks the last series fronted by long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
A Turbulent Few Months
Thomas’s time on Strictly coincided with an intense period of personal and public scrutiny. In the weeks surrounding the show’s launch, he made headlines after admitting to infidelity shortly after his wedding and for an incident involving a journalist at a press event.
He also faced online abuse and death threats following a widely shared photograph with US Vice President JD Vance — a connection Thomas has said was misinterpreted and politically overstated.
“I’m not a political figure,” he previously said.
“But suddenly people decided I was one, and it spiralled.”
Friends claim the pressure took a toll on his mental health.
“He felt under constant attack,” a source said.
“He wanted to do the show to inspire ordinary people like him — not to be vilified.”
Thomas Speaks Out
In recent posts, Thomas has expressed deep frustration about his experience on the show.
“I wish I had never done Strictly,” he told followers.
“It caused me nothing but abuse. I never fitted the bill, and I’ve had enough.”
Despite this, he has continued working, focusing on his family and his new seafood business in Essex.
BBC Response
A BBC spokesperson said:
“Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
Thomas has not yet publicly confirmed the details of his legal action but is understood to be pursuing the matter formally.
For now, the dispute casts a shadow over what has otherwise been a celebratory series — and raises renewed questions about transparency, pressure, and the personal cost of reality television
