BBC boss defends decision to cast controversial Strictly star for 2025 series

BBC director-general Tim Daviehas defended the decision to cast former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Thomas, 34, who has since become a social media personality, has sparked fierce criticism for his outspoken posts on X. He previously claimed it is "not far-right" to be "flying your flag and loving your country" and complained "it ain't safe out there any more" in London, describing the capital as "hostile" and "tense." Pressed on the backlash by MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee, Tim distanced himself from the final casting call.

"That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people ... who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience." The 58-year-old continued: "Clearly, we wouldn't take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn't accept them. But that's not the case here, from what I know, I'm not an expert on the individual, per se."

The row was reignited after TV presenter Narinder Kaur hit out at the decision to cast Thomas, claiming she was once told she was "too controversial" to appear on the ballroom show herself.

Asked about her remarks, Tim dismissed the claim: "I've never heard that." He added that casting responsibilities sit with BBC Studios, not the director-general personally: "I'm not involved directly, that's not disowning it, it's just day to day.

"It's for BBC Studios to propose to the commissioner of entertainment who they think they can get.

"One is who will take part, because it's quite a commitment, three months in full training. And the second is, who are people that they think would make a good balance in terms of the cast, and my goodness, they've done a good job in terms of creating a phenomenal show."

Thomas, best known for his "bosh" catchphrase, fuelled further outrage earlier this year when he met US vice president JD Vance at a barbecue in the Cotswolds.

Posting about the event online, he described it as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

When asked what would make someone "too controversial" for Strictly, Davie stressed there were limits: "There may be views you don't agree with, but that's not to me, a criterion.

"If someone had broadcast things that were totally unacceptable, had racist views, we don't want them anywhere near our shows, that's obvious. That's what our team have to judge.

"I don't know how many series we're in, but we've had a pretty good run of the contestants; there's been things to deal with, but actually, in terms of the casting and the overall show around the world, I think they do a good job."

Despite the storm, Thomas is set to line up alongside a star-studded cast when the 2025 series launches later this year. Contestants include Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who will make history as the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in a full series of the show.