Thomas Skinner guarded after death threats amid Strictly controversy

Thomas Skinner is reportedly under protection from Burly Daniel Gilbert, Tom Holland's former bodyguard, after receiving death threats tied to backlash over his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and a recent admission of infidelity. The 34-year-old Essex businessman, who rose to fame on Lord Sugar's The Apprentice, has become one of this season's most controversial signings, with the public focus split between his dance debut and the scandal that followed.

Skinner has hired Gilbert to monitor him and provide close protection as the controversy swirls. In photos obtained by The Sun, Gilbert was seen alongside Skinner and his Strictly pro partner Amy Dowden at Kempton Park Racecourse, where the pair were filming a market stall segment. Gilbert has a resume that includes work on Love Island All Stars in South Africa and previously accompanying Tom Holland’s ex-bodyguard at public events. An insider described Gilbert as among the best in the industry and said Skinner is in safe hands. The development comes as BBC officials declined to comment on security specifics, but noted there had been no changes to established protocols.

Skinner performed a Paso Doble on Saturday with Dowden, earning 16 points from the judges. He said Dowden had been a patient and effective teacher, adding that the experience was challenging but rewarding for a beginner. Reactions on social media were mixed: some viewers labeled the performance the worst of the night, while others argued it was a respectable showing given his inexperience. The controversy around Skinner has extended beyond the ballroom, with his political leanings generating further backlash after he attended a barbecue hosted by JD Vance, a figure closely associated with former President Donald Trump.

An insider described the dynamic around Skinner’s social media presence as a delicate issue for Strictly bosses. Because Skinner is not BBC staff, the show reportedly has limited leverage over his online activity other than requests to his management, and some sources cautioned that he may not be voted off early simply due to public interest in a controversial figure. Still, insiders suggested the pairing with a well-liked pro such as Dowden could help him stay in the competition longer than expected. The Mirror cited a view that, despite backlash, Skinner could ride early momentum thanks to audience fascination with a headline-making contestant.

The week’s headlines also included a broader Strictly moment: Alexis Warr’s light-hearted jab at her celebrity partner George Clarke’s nepo baby status. Warr joined Clarke, a 25-year-old YouTube star whose father, Sean Clarke, runs Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit. In a viral TikTok, Warr pretended to “fish” for a nepo baby and then teased Clarke as the catch, prompting fans to react to the revelation of his famous family background. Clarke has built a sizable following online, with millions of views across platforms and a prominent turn as a content creator before entering the ballroom. The segment underscored how Strictly has become a battleground for revealing and playing up personal histories, sometimes at the heart of fan fascination.

Meanwhile, Amber Davies’s path to Strictly has drawn its own attention. Davies, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2017, was reportedly rejected by BBC bosses twice before being tapped as a last-minute replacement for Dani Dyer, who was forced to withdraw due to a fractured ankle. Mail on Sunday reporting indicated that executives previously believed Davies was too experienced a dancer and would not provide the kind of on-screen journey the show aims to craft for viewers. A Strictly spokesperson said there was no record of prior rejections, though the latest casting aligns with the show’s current approach: casting a performer who can still deliver a compelling narrative as the season unfolds. Davies made her Strictly debut with pro Nikita Kuzmin on a live show that night, reinforcing why producers may have chosen a dancer with strong stage credentials for a fast-paced, audience-driven format.

The 2025 Strictly Come Dancing lineup has also included veterans and rising talents beyond Skinner and Davies. Among the participants announced are Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, drag performer La Voix, and a mix of other athletes, actors and internet personalities. Skinner himself has framed his participation as a challenge to prove himself on a national stage, embracing the sequins, samba and the chance to change the conversation around his public image. As the competition continues, executives and audiences alike will be watching not only for dancing prowess but also for how each celebrity's personal story shapes their journey on one of Britain’s most-watched entertainment programs.