Hours before stepping into the glittery world of Strictly Come Dancing, Thomas Skinner was spotted enjoying a casual trip to the pub in Essex.
The Apprentice star, 34, looked upbeat as he strolled hand-in-hand with his five-year-old son Henry, ahead of his much-anticipated debut on the ballroom floor.
Scandal in the Spotlight
Skinner has found himself making headlines for more than just his dancing.
Weeks after marrying wife Sinéad in May 2022, he admitted to a two-week fling, which he later described as a “moment of madness.”
But his alleged “secret mistress,” Amy-Lucy O’Rourke, has since claimed the relationship actually lasted three months — and that Skinner even told her he was in love and unhappy in his marriage.
Keeping It Casual
Despite the controversy, Thomas appeared carefree during his pub outing.
Dressed in a navy Hugo Boss polo, shorts, and trainers, his slicked-back hair added to his relaxed look.
He was joined by two friends and seemed unfazed by Amy-Lucy’s latest vow to reveal even more about their time together.
A Positive Message to Fans
On Thursday, Skinner addressed his 700,000 followers with a cheerful selfie and words of encouragement.
“Good morning you lovely people!!” he wrote, reflecting on life’s challenges.
He spoke of “dark shadows” but reminded fans to “never give up” and to keep their “face pointing to the sunshine.” He signed off, of course, with his trademark “Bosh.”
Amy-Lucy Speaks Out
Just hours earlier, Amy-Lucy defended herself against online trolls, insisting she wasn’t a “homewrecker.”
On Instagram, she said she came forward not for money or fame but to share how badly she felt treated.
“No one knows the full story,” she said, claiming she had proof in the form of texts, calls, voice notes, and even CCTV footage.
“It’s about speaking my truth and what Thomas put me through.”
Katherine Ryan Joins the Debate
Comedian Katherine Ryan also weighed in, questioning Skinner’s claim that his wife had “forgotten” about the affair.
On her podcast Telling Everybody Everything, Ryan said: “It seems forgotten to him, but I promise you, your wife has not forgotten.”
She added that Sinéad, newly married and caring for three young children at the time, was left vulnerable and burdened by shame.
Ryan didn’t hold back, calling Skinner “hypocritical” for promoting “family values” while being unfaithful.
She also suggested the scandal would likely linger in Sinéad’s mind, especially now that he’s signed up for Strictly.
Strictly’s Glittering 2025 Line-Up
While Thomas’s personal life makes headlines, his name sits alongside a packed roster of stars set to take the ballroom by storm.
This year’s contestants include Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, drag performer La Voix, and reality stars Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison.
Sports figures like Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, and Chris Robshaw add extra variety, with more big names rounding out a glitzy, competitive line-up.
Dancing Through the Drama
For Skinner, the Strictly spotlight is both a chance to showcase his charisma and a test of whether he can win over the public after weeks of scandal.
With sequins, sambas, and plenty of “Bosh” on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether his dance moves will shine brighter than the controversy surrounding him.