Thomas Skinner has hit out at the reaction he's faced since he decided to publicly confirm that he'd embarked on a "fling" with another woman while being with his wife, Sinead.
The Apprentice star candidly revealed that three and a half years ago, he made the "biggest mistake of my life" after meeting the woman in a pub.
Mr Skinner described the incident as a "brief moment of madness", telling The Sun on Sunday that he told his wife as soon as he woke up.
"My wife is the best thing that’s ever happened. I’m so lucky she forgave me. It was the worst thing I’ve ever had to do. It was terrible. I’m a very, very open book and I don’t hide anything from my wife," Mr Skinner confessed.
Thomas Skinner and his wife with their children
|He went on: "She was obviously distraught, upset. Didn’t think I’d do that to her. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she was to never speak to me again. No one else made me do what I’ve done. But it just shows something so brief could ruin your life.”
After publicly baring all about the ordeal, Mr Skinner has faced his fair share of backlash, with some critics even calling for him to lose his spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
The timing of the revelation hasn't been helped by the fact that Mr Skinner left a press event for Strictly early following an altercation with a female journalist.
Now, Mr Skinner has decided to address his critics and naysayers head-on, releasing a lengthy statement on X about the reception he's faced not just since revealing his affair, but since he signed up to Strictly in the first place.
Thomas Skinner has hit out at the reaction to his affair revelation
| GETTYHis full statement read: "My life ain’t perfect…far from it. I’ve made big mistakes, I’ve let people down, and done things I’ll always regret in my past. The worst was what I did to my wife three and a half years ago… one stupid moment I’ll carry forever. It was nothing more and nothing less, despite what is being said.
"I told her straight away. She had every right to leave me back then, but she forgave me… and that forgiveness changed my life. Since then, we’ve built a new home, had two more beautiful children, and moved forward together. We are stronger. Family is everything to me. It’s what I do everything for.
"But I’ve noticed I’ve become a target. Every part of my life is being dragged out… even my families. People around me have been offered BIG money to sell stories. And I’ve noticed I’m being portrayed as public enemy number 1. They’re trying to break me and get me cancelled. And if I’m honest, I’m not sure why."
The former Celebrity MasterChef contestant continued: "I know what it’s like to be low and down on luck. It’s the whole reason why I spread positivity online…. because I know what rock bottom feels like. I’ve been there, many times!!
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Thomas Skinner was announced as a Strictly contestant over the summer | BBC"I’m not some full-time celeb in a bubble. I still graft, I still go to work. In fact, I’ve been working this morning before I start strictly training."
Turning his attention specifically to the backlash he's faced, he said: "I’ve taken an absolute battering online and in the press, and I’ll take more. I was told it would happen: first, they’ll attack my character, then my family, then my income. And it is happening firsthand.
"Most of what’s said about me isn’t true. I’ve got thick ski,n and the abuse and death threats don’t bother me. In fact, some lies make me laugh. But please leave my wife and kids alone. I did this to them by a silly moment of madness over 3 years ago, and no one else. If you want to go for someone, go for me.
"In my life….I’ve lost close friends. I’ve lost family. I’ve got mates doing life in prison. And yes, I’ve got an extremely chequered past… more than most. I’ve never shied away from that. I’ve made mistakes, and if you dig, you’ll find more. But here’s the truth: most people have made mistakes. It’s okay to own up to them, it’s okay to talk about them and people do deserve second chances."
Thomas Skinner says he told his wife Sinead about the fling at the time it happened
|Turning to a more positive note, he said: "At the end of the day, it’s about getting back up, rebuilding, and looking after the ones you love. And as long as I’ve got my family, I’ll never stop fighting to be a better man.
"I’ve been forced into a corner to bring up something my wife and I have moved on from years ago. I feel so bad for my wife for having to do this. It’s humiliating for her.
"I’m sure I’m gonna be forced to talk about other moments that have happened in my life. I’m not sure why everyone is so interested in me……But if I am completely honest…no one else’s opinions matter apart from those I care about. I never take any criticism from anyone I wouldn’t take advice from.
"That’s the truth. Is it all worth it….?" he pondered. "We keep on going. I know what is right and what is wrong."
Mr Skinner signed off: "Love to you all. Have a wonderful Monday and a great start to the week. And remember, you are ten times stronger than you can ever imagine."
The Strictly Come Dancing star finished his statement with his trademark: "Bosh." (sic)