Strictly contestant Thomas Skinner has revealed how much he is being paid to appear on the BBC show ahead of the BBC One series’ 2025 launch next Saturday night

Tom Skinner has opened up about some of his “past mistakes”(Image: Getty Images)

Thomas Skinner has lifted the lid on what he’s being paid to appear on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, while also reflecting on the past mistakes that almost stopped his career before it started.

The 34-year-old, who first rose to fame on The Apprentice with his cheeky “Bosh” catchphrase, is among the new crop of celebrities taking to the BBC ballroom this autumn. The Essex businessman has told The Times: “I’m getting ten grand for Strictly but seriously, I’d do it for a tenner.”

Skinner went on to insist that money is not his motivation for appearing on the show, adding: “It’s an absolute honour.”

The revelation comes after a turbulent week for the TV star, who made headlines after walking out of a Strictly press day at Elstree Studios.

The Strictly contestant received backlash after storming out of a press conference last week(Image: PA)

Reports say he only sat through two interviews before abruptly leaving. Skinner later addressed the incident on Instagram, saying he spotted personal messages on a journalist’s phone that made allusions to his past which left him feeling uncomfortable.

“In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself,” he explained. “I’m sorry I picked up someone else’s phone and I don’t even know if the journalist realised their messages were visible.”

The father-of-three didn’t clarify what exactly the journalist was discussing that rattled him, but in his a recent interview with The Times, he confessed to having a rap sheet.

Back in 2012, Skinner was charged with handling stolen goods after being caught with nearly £40,000 worth of Body Shop products and diazepam tablets.

He was handed a suspended sentence and 300 hours of community service, which he partly served at a Cancer Research warehouse.

Looking back, he admitted in the interview: “I’d get offered loads of gear in pubs or on the stall; I didn’t check everything. But yeah, I’ve made mistakes.” Despite the setback, Skinner insists the punishment forced him to turn his life around.

He remembers spotting unsold dolls in the warehouse, buying them, and reselling them on his market stall to raise extra funds. “What? I gave a sizeable donation to Cancer Research an’ all,” he joked.

But his criminal record left him convinced he had no chance of breaking into TV. It was only thanks to his wife, Sinéad, that he ever applied for The Apprentice.

“She’s my absolute rock that helped me turn my life around,” he said. Skinner became a fan favourite on the BBC reality show, later building a social media following during lockdown.

He previously caused controversy by spending time with JD Vance(Image: iamtomskinner/X)

But his career has not been without controversy. Last month, he caused a stir after meeting US vice president JD Vance for a family barbecue.

Some viewers have questioned whether he fits the values of Strictly. However, Skinner has no time for those who are concerned about his right wing affiliations.

The BBC and Thomas Skinner’s representatives have been contacted for comment.