Thomas Skinner has issued a lengthy statement in response to reports he “stormed out” of an interview during a Strictly Come Dancing press day.
During Tuesday’s press day for the show, it is alleged Mr Skinner, 34, stormed out of Elstree Studios while speaking to journalists ahead of the launch show.
Sitting next to his fellow co-star, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, Mr Skinner is understood to have become embroiled in had a small tussle with a journalist because she was recording the interview on her phone, a standard practice at press events.
Mr Skinner allegedly said: “What’s that?” before picking up the journalist’s phone from the table, prompting the woman to ask him: “What are you doing? Can you answer the question? We have only got three minutes. I’m just recording him.”
He eventually returned the reporter’s phone before leaving the room, declaring: “I’m not doing this.”
Breaking his silence on Wednesday, he shared on X: “To set the record straight off the back of yesterday.
“During one of the interviews, a journalist placed their phone on the table to record the conversation.
“I happened to catch a glimpse of the screen and saw numerous messages – not about Strictly, but about a personal story from my past.
“I’ve been through some difficult times in my life, which I’ve worked hard to move on from.
“In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard. I felt it was best to step away and gather myself.
“This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself. I’m sorry I picked up someone else’s phone and I don’t even know if the journalist realised their messages were visible, and I don’t want to suggest any bad intentions on their part.
“What I do want to say is how excited I am to be part of Strictly this year.
“I’m so grateful for all the love, kindness and support I’ve been shown so far. It means the world to me, and I can’t wait to give it my all on that dancefloor.”
He signed off the message with his signature catchphrase, “bosh,” along with heart and Union Jack flag emojis.
More to follow