Thomas Skinner's true feelings on Strictly before meltdown

Thomas Skinner has confessed he is terrified of being labelled "rubbish" when he makes his Strictly Come Dancing debut - and admitted he doesn't want to let the nation down. The Apprentice star, who made his name on Lord Sugar's boardroom in 2019, said the chance to perform on the iconic BBC ballroom show is a dream come true but also a huge pressure.

Thomas told The Express and other press: "Look. This is like, the pinnacle of, like, TV shows, where everyone and their families know the show and watch it on a Saturday night, and it brings so much joy to people, and I just don't wanna to let people down, and they go like, Tom's rubbish. Do you know what I mean? I really don't want that to happen." He admitted his biggest fear is becoming the contestant who makes a fool of himself. "I just really want to try and give me best go and do well for my partner as well, because they're a fantastic dancer."

"We had little go yesterday, yeah, and I enjoyed it so much. I enjoyed it more than what I thought I did. And I just don't want to be the one that messes it up, you know, and looks like a bit of a donut."

The dad-of-three insisted he is "over the moon" to be given the opportunity, adding: "Now I want to prove... because I'll probably bring a new audience to Strictly, like, you know, probably bring you know, it's mainly my mates and the West Ham fans.

"I'm going to do it for all the dads with the beer bellies." And he's ready to embrace the show's sparkle.

"I can't wait to wear a bit of glitter," he laughed. "I'm used to wearing work boots and tracksuits and working on the market. So, so yeah, let's have a spray tan and glitter up and let's show off!"

His upbeat outlook comes just days after controversy at the Strictly press launch when he abruptly walked out of interviews after picking up a journalist's phone.

The 33-year-old later told fans he had caught sight of private messages about "a personal story from my past" that rattled him.

He explained: "I've been through some difficult times in my life, which I've worked hard to move on from. In that moment, seeing it there caught me off guard.

"I felt it was best to step away and gather myself. This had nothing to do with the interviews or Strictly itself. I'm sorry I picked up someone else's phone."

Skinner said he was grateful for the support he's already received: "What I do want to say is how excited I am to be part of Strictly this year. I'm so grateful for all the love, kindness and support I've been shown so far.

"It means the world to me, and I can't wait to give it my all on that dancefloor."