Thomas Skinner is standing by his assertion that he was told he would receive £2,000 for appearing on BBC Question Time, despite the broadcaster maintaining that non-politician panellists are offered just £150.
The former Apprentice contestant, 35, has now clarified the source of his payment claim in a statement to The Sun.
"My understanding of the fee came directly from my management, who informed me that I would be paid £2,000 for attending," Skinner explained.
He added: "I'm a big fan of Question Time and really enjoyed being part of the show. At the same time, it is work for me, and with three kids, I have to treat these opportunities as part of my job."
Thomas Skinner appeared on BBC Question Time last week
|BBC
A BBC spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail: "Question Time offers a fee of £150 to panellists who aren't politicians."
The dispute emerged after Mr Skinner appeared on Thursday's programme, which was broadcast from Clacton-on-Sea. He joined host Fiona Bruce alongside justice minister Jake Richards, former security minister Tom Tugendhat and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran.
Following the episode, Mr Skinner posted on X explaining his motivation for taking part.
"I'm not there representing any party. I'm there because it pays £2,000 and I like watching Question Time," he wrote.
Thomas Skinner doubled down on claims the BBC paid him £2,000
|GETTY
The businessman revealed he had been invited approximately nine or ten times over the past four or five years before finally accepting.
"So I decided to give it a go. And I really enjoyed it," he added.
The official Question Time account responded publicly, stating: "Question Time can confirm that panellists who are not politicians are offered an appearance fee of £150."
The episode sparked immediate backlash from viewers, who were angered that Mr Skinner was introduced as a "TV personality" rather than being identified as a Reform UK member.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Good morning everyone, and happy Friday ❤️
— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) March 27, 2026
I really enjoyed doing Question Time last night, what an experience. I can see it’s rattled a few of the usual angry lot on here as well… 🤣🤣
What I’ve noticed is the insults ain’t about what I said. It’s the same old stuff. My… pic.twitter.com/g2Mq1Al7Cl
Further controversy arose over the absence of Nigel Farage, the MP for Clacton-on-Sea, from a programme filmed in his own constituency.
Mr Farage addressed the matter on social media, writing: "I wasn't able to take part in #BBCQT from Clacton tonight, as we were told MPs are not allowed to appear on the show in their own constituencies."
Labour MP Mike Tapp challenged this explanation, pointing out he had appeared on the programme in Dover, his own seat, just months earlier.
The BBC subsequently clarified there is a longstanding policy preventing MPs from appearing in their local constituencies unless it is for a single-issue special programme, which explained Tapp's Dover appearance for an immigration-focused edition.
Tom Skinner appeared on the latest BBC Question Time | BBCMr Skinner's appearance also featured a heated exchange with Ms Bruce over social media use, prompted by discussion of a landmark US case in which Meta and Google were ordered to pay £2.2 million to a woman for her platform addiction.
The 35-year-old, who has 536,000 TikTok followers, criticised excessive phone use among young people while acknowledging he earns money from platforms including Instagram and TikTok.
The host challenged him directly, arguing that he profits from the very algorithms that drive compulsive usage.
"You are benefiting from social media, you make part of your living that way," she told him. "In the nicest possible way, you are part of the problem."
Skinner defended himself by describing his content as focused on "spreading a bit of positivity and a bit of love."