JD Vance’s friend ‘suing BBC’ at same time as Donald Trump in another scandal
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner is reportedly suing the BBC with claims the dance show’s voting was rigged, and he believes he has proof of foul play
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Thomas Skinner is suing the BBC(Image: Thomas Skinner Instagram)
Former contestant on the British version of Dancing with the Stars, Thomas Skinner, seems to be the latest celebrity taking aim at the BBC after Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the network.
The British reality television personality, and pal of JD Vance, is reportedly taking legal action against the broadcaster, alleging that he believes the dance competition’s voting system was manipulated.
Reports suggest he thinks he possesses evidence that there was misconduct designed to boot him off of Strictly Come Dancing as quickly as possible. The Apprentice alumnus and his professional dance partner, Amy Dowden, received their walking papers early in the season.
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The program combined judges’ scores from the opening two weeks alongside results from a viewer poll. Although the BBC never disclosed the exact number of public votes each celebrity received, Thomas allegedly believes he can demonstrate they intentionally minimized his tally.
A source suggests he’s now taking a page from the US president’s playbook by pursuing legal action against the network. An insider told The Sun, “Thomas is adamant he got a larger share of the public vote and believes he has the evidence to prove it. He is determined to see it through, but there’s no way the BBC will take this sensational claim lying down.”
The source continued, “They’ll robustly defend any kinds of claims that the voting was rigged or fixed.”
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Thomas was the first celeb to be booted off of Strictly Come Dacning this season(Image: BBC)
When approached for a response to these allegations, a BBC representative informed The Mirror, “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
Corporation insiders also confirmed to The Mirror that no legal complaint or documentation has been received regarding this issue. According to a source for The Sun, Thomas was allegedly invited back for the final this weekend, but there’s no chance he’ll accept.
The insider claimed that Thomas has been “embroiled in disputes with executives ever since he was sent home.” They added, “He’s convinced the BBC was determined to oust him as quickly as possible – regardless of how many fans rallied behind him.”
Despite these claims, it’s reported that Thomas’ absence this weekend is simply due to a previous engagement. Amy, however, will return to twirl with her fellow ballroom dancers.
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The reality star is suing the BBC(Image: PA)
This year’s season also featured stars like Geordie Shore icon Vicky Pattison, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston.
They’re all expected to return to the dance floor, along with other past contestants such as drag queen La Voix, entertainment expert Ross King, and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, among others.
Thomas has been the subject of speculation since his initial participation in the series. He caused a stir with his off-the-dance-floor antics before the show even began.
He faced criticism over his social media posts, notably a selfie with Vice US President JD Vance, and later stormed out of the press launch for Strictly, snatching a journalist’s phone. Then, an affair came to light when Thomas confessed to cheating on his wife just weeks after their nuptials.
The Mirror also disclosed that one of his companies hasn’t repaid a £50,000 Covid bounce back loan.
