Thomas Skinner says affair was a massive mistake as he heads into Strictly Come Dancing

Thomas Skinner says the affair was a massive mistake and that his wife, Sinead, faced a harsh public reckoning as he prepared for his Strictly Come Dancing debut. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the former Apprentice contestant described the emotional fallout and his own responsibility for the fractured period that preceded his signing with the BBC show.

“It was awful. I made a massive mistake,” Skinner said, recounting the moment the story of his fling emerged after his 2022 wedding. He acknowledged the fling with aesthetician Amy-Lucy O’Rourke and said the public revelation forced his family into the spotlight well before he stepped onto a dance floor. The timing, he noted, complicated an already intense period as he prepared for Strictly.

The 34-year-old former market stall holder-turned-mattress salesman said the affair was not a one-off but a three-month episode that unfolded weeks after his wedding. Amy-Lucy O’Rourke disputed that characterization, telling the Daily Mail it spanned three months, a claim Skinner acknowledged while emphasizing that his wife has moved on and forgave him. Skinner added that the relationship’s end and the decision to continue with his marriage were a conscious choice they made together, even as the public narrative kept resurfacing.

Skinner credited Sinead with showing resilience through the most difficult moment. He said she told him that the revelation would not break them or ruin them, and that her support has been instrumental as he navigates a very public career turn. “My wife is my rock and I love her to absolute pieces,” he said. “I made a mistake. I’ll hold my hands up and we have moved on from that. Since then we’ve moved home, had two more little Skinners.” The couple shares twin daughters Roma and Darla, born in June 2023, and a son, Henry, who is four, and Skinner said the family has worked to rebuild a stable life amid the glare of reality TV.

As he prepared to enter the Strictly studio in Elstree, Skinner spoke at length about the personal cost of the affair and how it has framed his approach to the show. He said he did not want to let his wife down and that the journey is as much about repairing trust as it is about learning to dance. He has described his wife as a constant source of support, attending rehearsals and cheering him on as he swaps his previous life for a televised dance floor.

Skinner’s focus now centers on his partner, Amy Dowden, with whom he will perform the opening dance, a Spanish paso doble. Dowden has helped him recalibrate his diet and training, a process Skinner says has included shedding pounds and shaving a lot of time off his routine. He has undertaken the rigorous schedule—training from 6 a.m. through the day—and has even embraced the show’s reputation for pushing contestants beyond their comfort zones. He joked that his dance shoes are already worn out from intensive practice, a sign of his commitment to proving himself on screen.

Away from the studio, Skinner has remained grounded in his working-class roots. He continues to run in parallel with his day job, delivering mattresses on Saturdays before heading to the Strictly studios. He has become a recognizable figure in Essex, where he lives, recounting moments of meeting fans in local shops who express support or sympathy for his family’s situation. He noted that his two older roles—as a market stall trader and a participant in a high-profile entertainment program—have contributed to his sense of responsibility to his audience and to those who know him personally.

The interview touched on the broader arc of Skinner’s public life, including a summer barbecue invitation from American author and politician JD Vance, which Skinner described as a “mad request” that he accepted with a sense of curiosity. He stressed that he remains focused on his Strictly journey and the progress he has made with his professional partner and the show’s broader ensemble, rather than on the political attention that came with those connections.

Skinner’s relationship with Sinead is central to this period. He spoke about the couple’s efforts to preserve their family life and the quiet moments that keep them connected. He remembered the more challenging times and acknowledged how the scrutiny can magnify personal missteps. Yet he also emphasized a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to perform and for the chance to share meaningful moments with his children, who are learning to watch their father on television while continuing to grow up in a supportive home.

Amy Dowden, who herself had a breast cancer diagnosis two years ago and later had to withdraw from a performance after collapsing during a show, remains a figure Skinner said he admires and does not want to disappoint. He said he aims to deliver a series of performances that his partner would be proud of and that reflect the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Strictly cast this season.

In addition to his personal story, Skinner reflected on the public’s perception of his background. He described his earlier life as a market trader and his subsequent forays into television and business as a journey that taught him the value of perseverance. He also noted the ongoing support from his mother, who has kept up with the show and expressed excitement about his progress. While he understands that his past actions will continue to be part of the public conversation, he is focused on maintaining a steady, respectful presence on Strictly and in his personal life.

As the season unfolds, Skinner’s fans can expect a performance-driven approach that blends his natural impulse to entertain with the discipline required for professional dance. He said he intends to approach each routine with intensity and preparation, aiming to honor his family and the people who have supported him through difficult times. His early optimism, tempered by the seriousness of the past, positions him as a figure who embodies both resilience and ambition in the face of public scrutiny.

Dani Dyer’s injury and the resulting replacement of Amber Davies in the lineup also shaped the show’s dynamic this season, a reminder that Strictly Come Dancing often hinges on the unpredictable. Skinner acknowledged the fluid nature of the competition and the importance of staying focused on his own performance, while remaining empathetic to colleagues who face setbacks elsewhere in the cast.

In sum, Skinner’s account offers a window into how a personal misstep intersected with a high-stakes career transition. He insists that he has learned from the past and remains committed to building a supportive, stable family life while pursuing a demanding television challenge. Whether his approach translates into lasting momentum on Strictly remains to be seen, but for now, Skinner presents himself as a determined participant who has chosen to couple accountability with ambition, and to let his dancing do the talking.