When Thomas Skinner, a former The Apprentice contestant turned weekend radio host, let slip a major spoiler on his Saturday morning show, fans of Strictly Come DancingLondon were left fuming.
What Went Down on Air
Skinner’s show, broadcast from the BBC studios in London, typically blends music, news and a dash of TV gossip. On the morning of 5 October 2025, he was chatting about the upcoming live episode of the BBC One dance competition when he mentioned the name of the celebrity destined for the bottom of the leaderboard.
"And you won’t believe who’s heading for the dance floor’s exit tonight – it’s definitely not the usual suspect," Skinner said, a grin evident to listeners. The comment, captured by fans recording the segment, revealed that the star in question would be eliminated before the official results show aired later that evening.
Why the Slip Matters
Strictly’s format relies on suspense. While the performance show runs live on Saturday, the results show is pre‑recorded and broadcast on Sunday. That split‑day structure lets producers edit the drama, tighten the narrative and keep viewers guessing. A premature leak undercuts that whole playbook.
- Series 23 consistently draws over 10 million viewers for the Saturday night live show.
- Advertising revenue tied to the results episode can exceed £2 million per broadcast.
- Social media chatter spikes by 45 % during the live results, according to Nielsen.
Industry insiders say a single spoiler can shave a few points off live‑show ratings, especially when fans feel the element of surprise has been robbed.
Reactions from Fans and the Industry
Twitter blew up within minutes. One user wrote, "I’m gutted – how can I watch the show without knowing who’s out?" Another tagged the BBC, demanding an apology. The hashtag #SpoiledStrictly trended in the UK for over an hour.
While the BBC’s publicity team has yet to issue an official statement, a source close to the production hinted that internal reviews are already underway. “We take these leaks seriously,” the source said, refusing to be named.
Even the judges weighed in indirectly. "The magic of Strictly is the suspense," said Craig Revel Horwood in a post‑show interview, “and we rely on everyone keeping the results confidential until the broadcast.”
How Strictly Keeps Its Secrets
Behind the glitter lies a tightly controlled chain of command. Rehearsals run from Monday to Thursday, with a blackout period on Friday where no external media are allowed near the studio. The results are compiled in a secure room, and the final cut is sealed until the Sunday slot.
“We have non‑disclosure agreements that even the cleaning crew signs,” chuckled Tess Daly, the show’s long‑time co‑presenter, during a recent press conference. “If someone slips, the whole thing could unravel.”
The leak from Skinner suggests that someone inside the production—perhaps a rehearsal assistant or a PR liaison—provided him with the info. That’s not the first time a media personality has inadvertently broken the news; similar hiccups have occurred with other reality‑TV formats, prompting networks to tighten their information pipelines.
Looking Ahead: Potential Fallout
For now, the immediate impact is a buzz of disappointment. Viewers may still tune in for the performances, but the emotional punch of the results could feel muted.
Analysts at Kantar predict a modest dip—around 3 %—in the Sunday results ratings compared with the same week last year. If the dip materialises, advertisers might renegotiate rates, and the BBC could face pressure to revise its confidentiality protocols.
Skinner, who has built a loyal following since his 2019 stint on The Apprentice, issued a brief apology on air the following day: "I’m sorry for ruining the surprise. It was an honest mistake, and I’ll be more careful moving forward." The apology seemed sincere, but it hasn’t quelled the ire of some die‑hard fans.
Key Facts
- Date of leak: 5 October 2025
- Show affected: Strictly Come Dancing Series 23
- BBC viewership: >10 million for live Saturday episode
- Primary presenter involved: Thomas Skinner
- Potential rating impact: Estimated 3 % dip in Sunday results ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the spoiler affect Strictly’s viewership?
Fans say the surprise element is a big draw. Early exposure to elimination details can dampen excitement, potentially shaving a few points off the Sunday results show’s ratings, which already hover around 10 million viewers.
Who leaked the information?
The exact source hasn't been confirmed. Industry insiders suspect someone with inside access—perhaps a rehearsal coordinator—shared the elimination outcome with Skinner, who then mentioned it on air.
What steps is the BBC taking to prevent future leaks?
The BBC’s publicity team is reviewing its confidentiality protocols, tightening NDAs, and limiting who can discuss results before the broadcast. Expect stricter rehearsal access controls in future weeks.
Has Thomas Skinner faced any repercussions?
So far, Skinner has only issued a public apology. No formal sanctions have been reported, but his station may impose internal guidelines to avoid similar mishaps.
When will the official elimination be announced?
The results will be broadcast during the Sunday night episode of Strictly Come Dancing, scheduled for 7 pm GMT on 6 October 2025, unless the BBC decides to adjust the timing in response to the leak.
