Thomas Skinner says his wife is humiliated in furious rant as affair made public

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has said his wife is humiliated after his affair was made public over the weekend.

The former Apprentice star admitted he has made “big mistakes” and said “If you dig you’ll find more" as he unleashed a lengthy rant to social media. Thomas told fans he'd told his wife to leave him after coming clean but she wanted to stay.

He said he has since become a “target”, and is “being portrayed a public enemy number 1” following revelations of his infidelity.

The former Apprentice candidate confessed to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding. He started seeing Amy-Lucy O'Rourke behind the mother of his two children's back.

Thomas said it was a 'one time thing' and a 'mistake' but beauty therapist Amy-Lucy has slammed the claims, insisting their affair lasted months.

After Amy-Lucy's revelations, Thomas - who is due to star in BBC dance show Strictly this weekend - took to social media to tell fans: "My life ain’t perfect…..far from it. I’ve made big mistakes, I’ve let people down, and done things I’ll always regret in my past.

"The worst was what I did to my wife three and a half years ago…..one stupid moment I’ll carry forever. It was nothing more and nothing less despite what is being said," he insisted.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 'struggled to get talent' for 2025 season after string of scandals

"I told her straight away," said Thomas. "She had every right to leave me back then, but she forgave me…….and that forgiveness changed my life. Since then, we’ve built a new home, had two more beautiful children, and moved forward together. We are stronger. Family is everything to me. It’s what I do everything for. But I’ve noticed I’ve become a target," he warned.

Thomas continued: "I’ve noticed I’m being portrayed as public enemy number 1. They’re trying to break me and get me cancelled. And if I’m honest, I’m not sure why. I know what it’s like to be low and down on luck. It’s the whole reason why I spread positivity online…. because I know what rock bottom feels like. I’ve been there, many times!! I’m not some full-time celeb in a bubble."

The Essex entrepeneur said he's been trying to carry on in the wake of the scandal: "I still graft, I still go to work. In fact I’ve been working this morning before I start strictly training. I’ve taken an absolute battering online and in the press, and I’ll take more. I was told it would happen: first they’ll attack my character, then my family, then my income. And it is happening first hand. Most of what’s said about me isn’t true.

"I’ve got thick skin and the abuse and death threats don’t bother me. In fact some lies make me laugh. But please leave my wife and kids alone. I did this to them by a silly moment of madness over 3 years ago, no one else. If you want to go for someone, go for me. In my life….I’ve lost close friends. I’ve lost family. I’ve got mates doing life in prison. And yes I’ve got an extremely chequered past… more than most. I’ve never shied away from that.

"I’ve made mistakes and if you dig you’ll find more. But here’s the truth: most people have made mistakes. It’s okay to own up to them, it’s okay to talk about them and people do deserve second chances. At the end of the day, it’s about getting back up, rebuilding, and looking after the ones you love.

"And as long as I’ve got my family, I’ll never stop fighting to be a better man. I’ve been forced into a corner to bring up something my wife and I have moved on from years ago. I feel so bad for my wife for having to do this. It’s humiliating for her. I’m sure I’m gonna be forced to talk about other moments that have happened in my life. I’m not sure why everyone is so interested in me……But if I am completely honest….. no one else’s opinions matter apart from those I care about. I Never take any criticism from anyone i wouldn’t take advice from. That’s the truth.

Thomas finished his post by asking: Is it all worth it….?" and then appeared to answer his own question as he told fans: "We keep on going. "

The affair is the latest blow for Thomas after he caused controversy from the very first day of press on Strictly 2025.

The star shocked a room full of journalists and BBC employees when he snatched a reporter's phone as he was asked questions about the launch of the BBC series.

An insider told the Mirror: "He walked to the table with his head down, he sat down, grabbed one of the reporters phones, who told him to stop. It was a shock. His reaction came out of nowhere."

Another source told us: "It was totally out of the blue. He was absolutely fine during the first interview. In good spirits and delighted and surprised to be there. Like a competition winner."

His actions left organisers furious and considering whether he should give up his place on the show. Ultimately it was decided that Thomas should continue and viewers will see the outspoken star being partnered up with a professional dancer from the team this weekend.

Thomas, 34, has been a controversial signing for this year's series of the BBC series. The dad has drawn strong criticism for Twitter (X) posts saying it is "not far-right" to be "flying your flag and loving your country", and complaining "it ain’t safe out there any more" in London, saying the city is "hostile" and "tense".