Thomas Skinner has expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming" support he's received following a week of controversy over his Strictly Come Dancing casting.
The former Apprentice contestant acknowledged the backlash he's faced but claimed his critics have inadvertently helped him.
"The love, the support, the messages I've had are overwhelming......it honestly means the world to me and my family," Skinner wrote on social media on Monday.
He thanked even "all the helmet haters who've spent the last 7 days talking about me and spreading lies" for boosting his social media presence.
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The 34-year-old businessman revealed his online analytics had shown "insane" growth over the past week since the BBC announced his participation in the upcoming series.
Skinner remained defiant about his background and patriotism in his Monday statement. "I love my family, i works hard, and I'm proud of where I come from. I love my country and I'll never stop flying the flag no matter what anyone says," he declared.
The Romford-born television personality emphasised he would "always be proud" of his roots and continue supporting "the people" regardless of criticism.
He insisted he would "always keep moving forward" despite the controversy.
Thomas Skinner has faced fury for signing up to Strictly
|BBC
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While his latest post may seem self-congratulatory, Skinner monetised his X account in July, pledging to donate proceeds to a local children's charity.
His recent comments echo earlier posts where he argued it was "not far-right" to be "flying your flag and loving your country".
He had previously stated "there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from" whilst claiming he'd received "death threats" and "vile comments about my children".
The announcement of Skinner's participation last week triggered immediate criticism from viewers.
Thomas Skinner isn't letting trolls get him down
|GETTY
Professional dancers faced criticism for welcoming Skinner, with Shirley Ballas and Gorka Marquez receiving backlash after posting supportive messages.
Dianne Buswell reportedly deleted her initial welcome post following negative comments.
Skinner's social media activity has attracted significant attention since his 2019 Apprentice appearance, where he reached week nine before being dismissed by Lord Sugar.
His X account boasts over 400,000 followers, where he's shared content praising Donald Trump as "brilliant" and criticising London as unsafe.
Thomas Skinner's latest update
|X
The businessman's online presence led to an unlikely connection with US Vice President JD Vance, culminating in a meeting at a barbecue whilst Vance holidayed in Britain earlier this week.
His political posts have included criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan over knife crime and complaints that the capital has become "hostile" and "tense".
Following his Strictly unveiling, fans have targeted Skinner for his "working-class" persona after reports emerged alleging he was raised in a multi-million pound house and went to a private school.
The show has also faced criticism for employing Skinner despite a previous arrest for handling stolen goods in 2011.
Political commentators Marina Purkiss and Narinder Kaur are just two prominent figures who've openly slammed the corporation for its decision, with the latter even claiming she was once turned down from the show for being "too controversial".
Kaur wrote on X last week: "Apparently, I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box.
"But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!! #BBCStrictly your unconscious bias and prejudicial views against British brown women is disgraceful."
Skinner responded at the time, writing: "Narinder, I respect that you stand up for what you believe in, not everyone’s got the guts to do that. Yes, I’ve got a past, but I’m not here to divide people.
"I’m just trying to get people to believe in themselves and realise they can do more than they think. Life can be so much better when you let happiness in and don’t always be angry towards others.
"If I’ve ever upset you, I’m sorry… that’s never been my intention. I wish ya nothing but peace, happiness, and a life you can truly enjoy. Bosh."
Kaur was unwavering in her response. "I don't mind you have a criminal past.. you know I turned up for you. But you DO divide.. I try to make this country fair ALL COMMUNITIES..I fight against the racism you seem to support recently," she said. (sic)
Skinner is one of 15 famous faces who'll compete on this year's Strictly when it returns next month.