Tom Skinner 'wants to prove everyone wrong' as he reveals real reason for Strictly

Ahead of the first Strictly Come Dancing live show tomorrow, former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has revealed the real reason he decided to join the BBC show. The 34-year-old's signing caused controversy, as many thought he wasn't a right fit for the family-friendly BBC show due to his outspoken nature and Twitter rants.

Since his signing, the star has continued to cause a stir, as a snatched a reporters phone and stormed off during a press conference for this years series.

It was then later revealed he had cheated on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding. With many questioning why he was taking part in the show in the first place, he's now revealed his real reason for joining.

READ MORE: Amber Davies famous boyfriend gives seven-word response to Strictly news

READ MORE: Strictly Tom Skinner's firm failed to pay back £50k Covid loan to taxpayer despite boast

Speaking ahead of the first live show, Thomas said: "Well, I love Strictly because it’s a family show. I’ve got three young kids, and I can’t wait for them to watch me dance.

"It’s my mum’s favourite show as well. It’s an opportunity to learn how to dance and I don’t know how to dance at all! But I love a challenge, I love setting myself goals.

"Most people probably think, 'Tom’s not going to be able to do this', so I really want to prove them wrong," he continued. "I want to be in people’s front rooms on a Saturday night, showing them that I can dance."

Speaking on what had surprised him about his Strictly journey so far, he said: "I was at a West Ham game just after I was announced for Strictly, and I got stopped by so many fellas telling me they were going to watch Strictly for the first time because of me! I wasn’t expecting that."

The BBC show was thrown into chaos earlier this week when it was revealed Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to pull out following an injury.

Addressing fans, she said: "I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.

"Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable, and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.

"To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita, but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on."

Today it was announced that Dani would be replaced by former Love Island and West End star, Amber Davies. Speaking on her last minute replacement, the 28-year-old said: "This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life.

"I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I'm going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud."

READ MORE: NearlyParents' Sophie Habboo shares £9 Boots product behind glowing skin at The Roses premiere

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.