Shirley Ballas Reacts To Thomas Skinner Drama During Strictly Come Dancing Interview

Shirley BallasStrictly Come Dancing star Shirley Ballas refused to be drawn into the drama when asked about the ongoing controversy surrounding celebrity contestant Thomas Skinner.Thomas has been at the centre of controversy ever since he was first unveiled as a participant on the current series of Strictly, having previously raised eyebrows with comments suggesting that London doesn’t “feel like London” anymore, criticising protestors on X, praising Donald Trump and posing for a picture with vice president JD Vance.Since then, he’s also been in the headlines for storming out of this year’s Strictly press launch, as well as the revelation that he was unfaithful to his wife in the early stages of their marriage.During Tuesday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, daytime star Susanna Reid asked Strictly’s resident head judge whether the backlash around Thomas, as well as other scandals the show has faced in recent history, are something she stays across.“When you are there at the show recording, are you under a sense of responsibility because of the scandal that’s hit Strictly? Do you even consider it?” Susanna questioned, specifically naming “the issue around Thomas Skinner” as an example.Thomas Skinner“It doesn’t touch the sides,” Shirley responded. “It’s baubles, bangles and beads for me. I stay in my lane.”She continued: “I am there to do a critique from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. Coordination, synchronisation, beautiful personality. I don’t get involved in anything.”Last year, Shirley was similarly tight-lipped when the show was embroiled in controversy over former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.“I think before I speak, and I stay in my lane, which is ballroom dancing,” she insisted, having previously defended Giovanni on a number of occasions.Meanwhile, former Apprentice candidate Thomas responded to the media furore surrounding him in a lengthy post on X over the weekend.Life ain’t easy. I’ve been kicked down an called every name under the sun recently and probably some of it I deserve, as yes I ain’t always right. But since I got invited to have a BBQ with JD Vance….its gone crazy. Certain people are doing everythin they can to ruin me. Mainly…— Thomas Skinner ⚒ (@iamtomskinner) September 21, 2025Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One, while GMB airs every weekday from 6am on ITV1.MORE STRICTLY:Thomas Skinner Breaks Silence After Walking Out Of Strictly Come Dancing Press LaunchStrictly Fans Are Discovering That 1 Of This Year's Celebs Has More TV Dance Experience Than They RealisedStrictly Come Dancing Pro Dianne Buswell Announces She's Pregnant In Very Sweet Video

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