When I came across the promotional image of Tom Skinner for Strictly Come Dancing on my Twitter feed, it initially appeared like a parody post – it seemed too outrageous.
The decision to cast Tom on the show raised eyebrows, considering the show’s recent controversies and the availability of safer, more established celebrities willing to join the dance floor.
Even before his appearance on Strictly, Tom caused a stir by storming out of an interview and grabbing a reporter’s phone, just hours after BBC director-general Tim Davie defended his casting.
While some see Tom as a former Apprentice contestant who enjoys grafting and early morning pie and mash, others view him as a privately educated figure with right-leaning tendencies, presenting himself as a working-class advocate on social media.
Despite speculation that Tom might pursue a political career post-Strictly, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. His critics base their assumptions on his social media posts rather than verified information.
Even if Tom, who claims political neutrality, sticks to sharing his patriotic views online, he remains a controversial figure, not the typical choice for a show like Strictly amid the BBC’s turbulent times.
By associating with right-wing figures and displaying political inclinations, Tom has made his stance clear, causing divided opinions about his suitability for the show.
In past interactions, Tom expressed more interest in appearing on I’m a Celebrity than in learning to dance, hinting at his varied ambitions beyond the dance floor.
Though ITV has opted to keep politics out of the camp following past controversies, the BBC seems willing to court controversy by featuring Tom prominently in the reality TV lineup.
Despite having groundbreaking contestants like Ellie Goldstein and La Voix, the BBC’s decision to cast Tom has overshadowed the positive aspects of the show, drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
It appears that Strictly producers anticipated backlash by casting Tom for the 2025 series, indicating a willingness to prioritize buzz over shedding the show’s scandalous image.