Strictly Come Dancing's head judge Shirley Ballas wasn't going to get dragged into a war of words about reality TV star Thomas Skinner on Tuesday morning after she faced questions about his participation on the show.
Ms Ballas appeared on Good Morning Britain, where she was quizzed about the ongoing controversy surrounding contestant Mr Skinner, whose fans rallied around him on Saturday following a "lefty meltdown" among some viewers.
Mr Skinner has become a target for certain viewers in recent weeks thanks to his political opinions and patriotic views. He also hit headlines after a former "fling" came forward with a story of an affair involving The Apprentice star from three years ago. He publicly apologised soon after.
GMB presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley spoke to Ms Ballas about the new series, and it was Ms Reid who questioned Ms Ballas about whether recent scandals, including those involving Mr Skinner, affected her role on the programme.
BBC Strictly: Tom Skinner and Amy Dowden were paired up during the launch show | BBCMs Ballas's response was notably dismissive of the drama surrounding the show, maintaining a clear stance on her professional boundaries, and not willing to be dragged into tittle-tattle.
When Ms Reid directly asked whether she felt any responsibility due to the scandals affecting Strictly, Ballas delivered a firm five-word response: "It doesn't touch the sides."
The veteran judge elaborated on her position, telling the presenters: "Baubles, bangles, and beads for me. I stay in my lane.
"I am there to do a critique from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Coordination, synchronisation, and a beautiful personality. I don't get involved in anything."
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ITV GMB: Susanna Reid grilled Ballas on Thomas Skinner
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Ms Reid specifically referenced "the issue around Thomas Skinner" alongside previous controversies that have plagued the BBC programme, although failed to elaborate.
Mr Madeley contributed his perspective on the unpredictable nature of such controversies, noting that whilst watching Saturday's programme, he couldn't detect any signs of the issues that have emerged in recent years.
He observed: "But you just never know. You never know what people are going to do, say, what paparazzi shots are going to emerge mid-week."
Again, not engaging in the gossip the presenters so clearly wanted, Ms Ballas redirected the conversation towards the show's professional dancers. She stated: "We do have the best professionals in the world and they are all doing their very, very best when they're working throughout the week."
ITV GMB: Shirley Ballas stood firm
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The backlash facing Mr Skinner hasn't gone unnoticed by the man himself, who took to social media earlier this week to hit back and insist he "won't be cancelled".
The Apprentice star has admitted to making "mistakes" in his past and that he and his family have stuck together and remain strong.
And despite his pro partner Amy Dowden also facing her fair share of comments following the announcement they'd been paired together, the professional dancer has remained firmly supportive of the 34-year-old.
Shortly after the launch show on Saturday, Ms Dowden paid tribute to Mr Skinner. "The news is out! @iamtomskinner and I are excited and working hard rrrrrready for the first live show next Saturday!" she began.
ITV GMB: Shirley Ballas wasn't going to throw Thomas Skinner under the bus
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"Tom is working so hard and is loving learning to dance ( more than he ever imagined). We are laughing lots too!
"Honestly Tom it’s been so lovely getting to know the really lovely, bubbly, full of life you this week. Thanks for a great week and so looking forward to our strictly journey ahead! Let’s do this."
And Mr Skinner was equally as joyous to be paired with the Welsh professional dancer. He wrote in response: "Really really enjoyed training with you this week.
"You are honestly an amazing person and everything you have been through. Shows how strong and inspiring you are.
"I promise I won’t let you down. I might not be the best dancer. But I promise I’ll be the hardest worker. Thank you for being so kind and lovely to me and I’ve enjoyed your company so much.
"I ain’t stopped laughing with ya. Can’t wait to get on that dance floor with ya next week. Bosh," he signed off. (sic)