Thomas Skinner has issued a lengthy statement in response to reports he "stormed out" of an interview during a Strictly Come Dancing press day.
During Tuesday's press day for the show, it is alleged Mr Skinner, 34, stormed out of Elstree Studios while speaking to journalists ahead of the launch show.
Sitting next to his fellow co-star, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, Mr Skinner is understood to have become embroiled in had a small tussle with a journalist because she was recording the interview on her phone, a standard practice at press events.
Mr Skinner allegedly said: "What's that?" before picking up the journalist's phone from the table, prompting the woman to ask him: "What are you doing? Can you answer the question? We have only got three minutes. I'm just recording him."
Thomas Skinner was announced as a Strictly contestant over the summer
| BBCHe eventually returned the reporter's phone before leaving the room, declaring: "I'm not doing this."
Breaking his silence on Wednesday, he shared on X: "To set the record straight off the back of yesterday.
"During one of the interviews, a journalist placed their phone on the table to record the conversation.
"I happened to catch a glimpse of the screen and saw numerous messages – not about Strictly, but about a personal story from my past.
Thomas Skinner shared a statement on X
|X
"I've been through some difficult times in my life, which I’ve worked hard to move on from.
"In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself.
"This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself. I'm sorry I picked up someone else's phone and I don't even know if the journalist realised their messages were visible, and I don’t want to suggest any bad intentions on their part.
"What I do want to say is how excited I am to be part of Strictly this year.
"I'm so grateful for all the love, kindness and support I’ve been shown so far. It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to give it my all on that dancefloor."
He signed off the message with his signature catchphrase, "bosh," along with heart and Union Jack flag emojis.
Many of Mr Skinner's supporters dropped encouraging messages in the comments, with one writing: "Thank you Thomas I knew there would be a good reason. Good luck with strictly and have a great day x."
A second responded: "Keep going we have your back. Bosh!"
Reports stated Thomas Skinner took a journalist's phone from her during an interview
| GETTYAnother added: "Keep sharing the positivity and ignore the toxic weapons."
Someone else wrote: "Ignore them big lad," with another posting: "Chin up Tom Bosh."
"YAY Tom. Glad all is well," another fan shared. However, others remained critical.
LATEST THOMAS SKINNER DEVELOPMENTS
Thomas Skinner found fame for starring in the 2019 series of BBC's The Apprentice | BBC"You need to handle the game with media in a much better way. Hire someone to train yourself and to not react to every small detail," one advised.
One more fumed: "Let's hope you get voted out first."(sic)