Thomas Skinner makes huge lifestyle change as he gets ready for Strictly live show

Reality TV star Thomas Skinner has shared an update about his preparations for Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the first live show of the new series this weekend. He teased a change to his lifestyle amid training for the BBC show.

Thomas, 34, who rose to fame as a candidate on the Apprentice in 2019, is among the contestants who will be taking to the dancefloor tomorrow night. It has already been announced that the entrepreneur will be performing a paso doble with his dance partner Amy Dowden, 35.

Ahead of the episode, he shared an update earlier on how he was spending his Friday afternoon. Thomas revealed that he was at home with his family and teased that he wouldn't be going to the pub due to tomorrow's live show.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's new signing Amber Davies defended by dancer amid backlash

READ MORE: Strictly's Stefan Dennis says Dianne Buswell 'is not silly' when competing while pregnant

Thomas, who, away from his TV career, sells mattresses, has previously posted on Instagram about having a pint in a pub on Friday afternoons on numerous occasions. His most recent post about it was shared on September 5.

Speaking in his update tonight, he said: "It's been a very, very busy week. I haven't been grafting - I've been dancing with the wonderful Amy Dowden." He added: "Tomorrow night, as you all know, I am doing my first live dance."

After his three children expressed excitement over his involvement with Strictly, Thomas told his followers: "So, no golden nectar tonight. We've got a lovely Diet Coke [instead]. The wife has done me the Chilli Con Carne and of course, you know me, I don't look when I dollop on the sour cream."

Thomas went on to say in the video message to fans: "I want to wish you all a fantastic weekend. It is Friday afternoon. We have worked hard and whatever you are doing, I want you to go and enjoy your golden pints of beer down your pub. I want you to go and enjoy your family time."

He added: "Honestly I've been working so hard with this dancing, I am so over the moon to try and ... y'know have an opportunity to do it, so please watch it. Please enjoy it. I didn't know how to dance a couple of weeks ago but I've gone a long way."

The contestant, whose life off-screen has made headlines in recent weeks, concluded by saying in the video: "Big love to everyone out there. Keep on going. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other and always stay positive."

In the caption that accompanied the video, Thomas wrote: "Happy Friday you lovely people! No pub for me tonight as tomorrow is the first live show for Strictly Come Dancing. 2 weeks ago I didn't know how to dance and I been working so hard with my dance partner the lovely [Amy].

"The wife has done the family a chilli Con Carni and I can't wait for you all to see it tomorrow night! Sending love to you and ya families. Keep on putting one foot infront of the other. Love you all. Up the strictly. Bosh."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.

READ MORE: Weekend Wishlist: 9 fashion and beauty pieces our writers are coveting this autumn