Thomas Skinner has addressed speculation he had his phone on him during Strictly Come Dancing’s first group number of the series last weekend.

The controversial TV personality appeared to have something resembling a phone in his pocket as he strutted his stuff in his dancefloor debut on Saturday’s launch show.

Many viewers pointed out the bizarre spot on social media, and Mr Skinner, 34, has now set the record straight on the matter.

The clarification came after the TV personality shared a post to his X account about his progress as he and the other celebrities gear up for their first official Strictly week.

He penned in view of his 419,000 followers: “Have a wonderful Tuesday you lovely people.

“It’s my second week in the studio learning the dancing and I am a lot lot lot better than when I started.

“My Strictly partner Amy is a brilliant teacher so we are doing well. Can’t wait for the live show this Saturday.”

He signed off: “Hope you all have a wonderful day and keep on going,” ending with his signature phrase: “Bosh.”

Among the several supportive comments, one responded on X: “Take your phone out of your pocket this time!”

Mr Skinner proceeded to reply to the suggestion, commenting: “It was the radio pack for the microphone.”

He continued by clarifying: “My wife had my phone because she was filming it from the audience.”

The confusion follows the former The Apprentice star’s rocky start to the beloved BBC competition, which began after he was announced as a contestant earlier this month.

Mr Skinner was widely criticised by fans of the show for his political views and his recent meeting with US Vice President, JD Vance.

He had been invited to spend an evening with Mr Vance following several social media posts expressing concern for the UK.

An online backlash followed the announcement he’d be partaking in the show, which was intensified by an incident during the press day for the series.

Mr Skinner was understood to have grabbed a reporter’s phone during an interview before storming out, and he later took to X to explain what had happened.

Breaking his silence the next day, he penned on social media: “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.

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“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 ended the message: “bosh,” along with heart and Union Jack flag emojis.