STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Thomas Skinner has doubled down on claims he was paid £2,000 for his Question Time appearance.
The businessman and former star, 35, joined host on the panel as the show visited Reform MP ‘s constituency Clacton-on-Sea in .
Strictly’s Tom Skinner has doubled down on claims he was paid £2,000 to appear on the showCredit: BBC
The former Apprentice star, 35, said his management advised him of the whopper feeCredit: BBC
BBC bosses have refuted his claims centred on the show, which was broadcast from Clacton on SeaCredit: BBC
He previously revealed his whopper £2,000 fee – which was disputed by the – who told how panelists were offered £150.
Now in a statement to The Sun, said: “My understanding of the fee came directly from my management, who informed me that I would be paid £2,000 for attending.
“I’m a big fan of Question Time and really enjoyed being part of the show.
“At the same time, it is work for me, and with three kids, I have to treat these opportunities as part of my job”.
Thomas explained his main reason for taking part on the show was for the pay cheque.
It came after Thomas took to his X account and addressed his show appearance.
He said: “I’m not there representing any party. I’m there because it pays £2,000 and I like watching Question Time….
“I’ve been asked probably 9 or 10 times to attend over the last 4 or 5 years. So I decided to give it a go. And I really enjoyed it.”
The BBC promptly denied his claims and a BBC Spokesperson said: “Question Time offers a fee of £150 to panellists who aren’t politicians.”
Also on the panel on the night was Justice Minister Jake Richards, Conservative MP and Liberal Democrat .
TV personality Thomas has been open about his political views and last night hit out at Labour for failing working class people, especially those with small businesses.
A member of the audience kicked things off by asking: “Why should we believe that things will get better.”
Thomas was keen to get his point across as he challenged the MPs.
He said: “We all know the cost of living is a joke at the minute, people are struggling.
People, at the end of the week, should be able to enjoy a pint of beer, take their kids to the football, but they can’t because their pennies aren’t going as far.”
He continued: “Labour have been smacking small businesses left, right, and centre, and it isn’t fair.
“People forget that small businesses are the backbone of this economy; without small businesses, we haven’t got a country.
“Their tax pays for the potholes that we were talking about earlier, and the NHS.
“Everything goes through small businesses, and I think we need to give them more support.
“Then you’ll see more jobs open up, you’ll see more people [shopping] because when it comes to making more money, they can employ them, they can fund people better.”
Fiona then asked him: “Do you think any of the parties have an answer for that?” to which he replied: “I don’t think they do at the moment”.
Fiona Bruce was at the helm of the episodeCredit: BBC
Thomas told us he has to ‘treat these opportunities as part of my job’Credit: BBC
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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