Strictly Come Dancing confirms The Apprentice's Thomas Skinner as tenth contestant

Thomas Skinner has been named as the tenth contestant for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. They are the latest celebrity to be unveiled as part of the line-up for the BBC show this week ahead of the launch next month.

The TV personality and social media star is best known for competing on The Apprentice back in 2019 and for his appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Good Morning Britain and Celebrity MasterChef. Thomas shared the news on his socials this morning before appearing on Hits Radio.

Nine celebrities who will be taking part when the show returns later this year had already been announced since beginning of this week. It comes after reports of all the celebrities rumoured to be joining BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

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Thomas said in a statement: "I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!

"I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”

It comes after Thomas was seen partying with US Vice-President JD Vance yesterday during his visit to the UK. The Strictly star called Vance "a proper gent" as they posed for a photo at a BBQ.

Writing on social media, dad-of-three Mr Skinner said: "Here is a pic of Me and Vice President JD Vance towards the end of the night after a few beers. I’m overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don’t risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops. Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh."

The first contestant announced to be joining Strictly was Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro. The former Olympic athlete, who competed in last year's Christmas special, was revealed as a contestant during an episode of Newsround on Monday.

Love Island winner Dani Dyer was the second celebrity confirmed for the new series. The reality TV star shared the news on The One Show on Monday night, with her one of three contestants who appeared on the show that evening.

Actor Alex Kingston, known for her roles on shows such as Doctor Who and ER, was unveiled as the third celebrity for the new series. She was the second contestant to be interviewed on The One Show earlier this week.

Retired footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who played for teams such as Leeds United and Chelsea in the Premier League, was later named as this year's fourth contestant. He was the third and final participant revealed on Monday.

Soap star Balvinder Sopal was then the fifth contestant to be revealed as part of the line-up. The actor, known for her role as Suki Panesar-Unwin on EastEnders, was unveiled as part of the line-up with viewers on ITV's Good Morning Britain yesterday.

It was later announced that TikTok star George Clarke will be competing on the new series of Strictly too. The content creator was named as a contestant on BBC Radio 1's Going Home Drivetime Show yesterday.

RuPaul's Drag Race UK runner-up La Voix, also known as Christopher Dennis, was unveiled as the seventh celebrity taking part earlier today. The news was revealed on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.

The BBC went on to name former England rugby union player Chris Robshaw as the eighth celebrity for the series. Just like La Voix, he was unveiled as part of the line-up on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show earlier this morning.

Model, actor and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue, became the ninth contestant to be named. The news was revealed on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning.

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