‘It was Awful. I Made a Massive Mistake’: Thomas Skinner Opens Up About affair, Impact on marriage
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has, for the first time, publicly addressed the affair that recently made headlines, detailing the devastating impact it had on his wife, Sinead, and their marriage. Speaking to Katie Hind,the businessman and former Apprentice star revealed the raw emotion and fallout following sinead discovering his infidelity.
Skinner, who is already making waves on the dance floor - having worn out his first pair of dance shoes in just ten days, resulting in holes in the soles and a detached heel, a situation he notes has “never happened in Strictly before” – admitted the situation was deeply painful.
The revelation came as Skinner discussed the intense scrutiny that comes with being a public figure on the popular BBC show. He confessed, “It was awful. I made a massive mistake.” He detailed Sinead’s initial reaction, stating that while the finding was incredibly upsetting, she has as begun to smile again, reinforcing his belief that joining Strictly was the right decision. “Tho if I could change my wife being upset than I would,” he said, “But she hasn’t stopped smiling since I started Strictly, and that’s why I know I made the right decision to do it.”
Beyond the personal turmoil, Skinner is fully immersed in the Strictly experience.He’s already embraced the show’s signature spray tans, joking he’s gone “mahogany brown,” a situation he finds amusing given his wife regularly deals with brown pillowcases from her own tanning routine.
Skinner is also motivated by a desire to succeed for his professional partner, Amy, who has faced significant health challenges. Two years ago,Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer and was forced to withdraw from the show last year after collapsing during a performance. Skinner expressed his determination to give Amy “a series to remember,” stating, “Amy has been through so much and I want to do it as much for her. She’s a fighter and I have seen the kind of person she is. She doesn’t give up and I don’t want to let her down. I know she wants this as much as I do, so I don’t want to mess up for her.”
His mother is also a huge source of support, “absolutely buzzing” about his participation and initially worried about taking time off from her call center job to attend the launch show. Skinner also shared his positive experience with his fellow contestants, noting they were “all lovely” and sent him private messages of support following the news of his affair.He is sharing a dressing room with former England rugby star Chris Robshaw, a pairing he’s thrilled about given his own school rugby background.
Skinner expressed his disappointment over the injury that forced Dani Dyer to withdraw from the competition, describing her as “like my little mate” and praising her dancing ability and positive spirit. Amber Davies, the 2017 Love Island winner, will replace Dyer.
Despite being courted by various political parties due to his working-class background and enterprising nature, Skinner maintains he is not political, though he recounted a recent encounter with JD Vance, who invited him to a BBQ and they shared a beer. Skinner joked that Vance would be voting for him, “but it doesn’t count in America.”
