Strictly's Tom Skinner fumes he's not as rich as co-stars and carries on normal job

The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner is said to have asked how some celebrities have "loads of money". Ahead of his Strictly Come Dancing debut, he's reportedly said that he doesn't make "bundles of dough" from his own TV work.

Thomas, 34, who sells mattresses in addition to his media appearances, was unveiled as a contestant on Strictly earlier this month. His casting on the BBC show has proved controversial, and he's now begun training for the dance contest, which launches next month, amid much reaction.

It will be his latest TV role. He has previously appeared on shows like Celebrity Masterchef since rising to fame on The Apprentice in 2019. The entrepreneur has reportedly suggested that he isn't making "bundles of dough" from TV appearances, though.

Thomas is said to have questioned how some celebrities have "loads of money" in a post on X that's since been deleted. He's also quoted as having noted that being on Strictly doesn't mean an end to his other job.

Thomas wrote: "How do all these celebrities have loads of money? You don't get bundles of dough for TV or adverts etc (well I don't)…. But I look on Instagram and they're always in this gaff or posting in a new motor."

He's said to have added in the deleted tweet: "I finished me Strictly stuff earlier today and I'm now out in me van delivering mattresses. Do I need to be part of a special club now on the tele that's gives ya unlimited monies."

Thomas has been keeping fans updated on his Strictly experience since training began earlier this week. He's expressed excitement over being on the show and, despite some backlash, has said that he's "suprised" by the support for him.

He confirmed that he had begun rehearsals for Strictly in a tweet posted on Monday. He told his followers: "And so it all begins today!! Was suprised at the amount of support I've recieved about doing the Strictly. I'm gonna try me hardest, I don’t know how to dance but I'm willing to learn!!

Thomas continued: "Was surprised at the amount of people especially when I was at West Ham on Friday night who said they will be watching an supporting. Thank you everyone.

"The Strictly Journey begins. All the pro dancers, the crew and the contestants I’ve met so far have been lovely people and it’s gonna be a blinder. Currently wearing a sparkly outfit getting me photos done. Bosh."

In a more recent update, posted today, Thomas teased that he wants to try and win Strictly. He told fans: "It's Thursday you lovely lot and the Strictly training is in full swing. Walked 6 miles earlier this morning with 10kg in my rucksack.

"And now I'm training legs in the gym ... My legs are always hard to train for me because of an old rugby injury so we are pushing through it today. I wanna prove to you lot that I can learn how to dance and be half decent. I wanna try n win it!

"Swapped the fry up for salmon and eggs today. Keep going you lovely lot. Over the moon I've been given this wonderful opportunity so let's give it 110% Have a wonderful Thursday…. Love to you all and remember you are ten times stronger than you can ever imagine. Bosh."

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