BBC executives have found themselves grappling with a challenging situation as Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner's social media activity is understood to have created complications for the broadcaster.
The 35-year-old Essex businessman has generated concern amongst programme officials with his online posts, leaving them in what insiders describe as a "difficult position".
Sources close to the production reveal that Mr Skinner's X outbursts have frustrated BBC management, who acknowledge their lack of control over the contestant's digital presence.
The pillow retailer, who previously appeared on The Apprentice and Celebrity MasterChef, cannot be regulated by the corporation as he is not employed by them.
Thomas Skinner was announced as a Strictly contestant over the summer | BBCThis limitation means executives can only request his representatives address the matter, though sources suggest such intervention may not be forthcoming.
Following Saturday evening's pre-recorded launch programme, Skinner unleashed an extensive tirade on X addressing his critics.
"Now I see people are fumin' that I'm on Strictly.... and the funny thing is that the majority of them got 'be kind' wrote in their bios. You couldn't make it up," the father-of-three posted.
His messages took a defiant tone: "Let me tell you this. I won't be cancelled. I ain't gonna kill myself like some of you want. I'm still here. I'm still standin."
BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner even strutted their stuff during the first group number | BBCThe businessman, who has acknowledged being unfaithful to his spouse Sinead with beauty clinic proprietor Amy-Lucy O'Rourke shortly after their marriage, insisted the online criticism would not deter him.
"Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack....it don't break me, it builds me stronger," he declared.
Programme insiders believe Skinner's position in the competition remains secure despite the social media controversy.
"It's a tricky one, he's not BBC staff so there is nothing that can be done about his social media posts other than ask his management to have a gentle word, and they might not want to," a source told the Mirror.
The same insider suggested controversial personalities often attract viewer support, particularly in the early stages of the competition.
"Because the public tends to like controversial figures, at least at the start, the feeling is he's unlikely to be among the first to go, and could actually stay in for quite a stretch," they explained.
Additionally, his professional partner Amy Dowden's substantial fanbase is expected to provide significant backing throughout their partnership.
Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole has weighed in on the controversy, advising Mr Skinner to disregard online trolls whilst expressing gratitude for his partnership with Ms Dowden.
Good Morning and happy Monday you lovely people! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I love a Monday morning, new day, new week, new start. Always Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't never give up. Be open to opinions and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy,… pic.twitter.com/Wwsv9ZeMp5
— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) September 22, 2025
Speaking to Sky Vegas, Cole highlighted the contrasting personalities: "Amy's been made out to be the sweet 'Strictly princess' and pairing her with someone as brash and loud as Tom gives you that yin and yang dynamic."
He suggested the pairing might have been strategic: "Perhaps the thinking was that it might help him stay in a bit longer."
LATEST BBC STRICTLY DEVELOPMENTS
- Thomas Skinner clears up confusion as BBC Strictly fans spot 'phone' during group number
- Thomas Skinner brilliantly fires back at BBC newsreader after 'disgusting' dig at Strictly star: 'Stick to reading an autocue!'
- Amy Dowden issues heartfelt Thomas Skinner statement amid backlash to BBC Strictly pairing as dancer ignores complaints
BBC Strictly: Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner were paired together during Saturday's launch | BBCCole acknowledged Skinner's divisive nature, stating: "Tom wants to be talked about, he wants to be seen, he wants to create that havoc and energy.
Viewers are either going to get behind him and say, 'He's great, this is brilliant TV,' or they'll go, 'I can't stand you, get off my screen.'"
GB News has contacted the BBC for a comment on the reports.