Thomas Skinner’s claims of vote rigging on Strictly Come Dancing seem undermined after impartial ballot confirmed he acquired simply 1.4 per cent of votes

Thomas Skinner’s bombshell authorized menace in opposition to the BBC appears to be in tatters after new voting information solid doubt over claims of vote-rigging on Strictly Come Dancing. The ex-Apprentice contestant beforehand stated he was in search of authorized recommendation over allegations that bosses of the BBC present fastened the vote in addition him off.

But a viewer survey suggests Thomas would have completed backside on simply 1.4 per cent of the general public vote – a determine so dismal it undermines his conspiracy idea.

Thomas had alleged that on the night of his departure he “acquired an nameless e mail claiming to be from a BBC exec with stats, saying I might acquired way more votes than it appeared and it wasn’t proper”. He maintained he had subsequently had the e-mail “independently verified”.

BBC chiefs do not publish the voting statistics, that are supervised by an impartial agency PromoVeritas. This aligns with different BBC programmes, with the broadcaster’s responsibility of care to contributors among the many causes for not releasing the figures.

Nevertheless, an impartial exit ballot of 125,000 viewers which was performed concurrently by web site Strictly Spoiler has been cited as “clear proof of his unpopularity”, stories the Mirror.

In keeping with the ballot, Thomas would have garnered simply 1805 votes, which was the poorest efficiency of any competitor on the BBC present – putting him backside as per the official voting statistics which might be subsequently merged with the judges’ marks.

A supply advised the Mirror: “The ballot – which is bigger than an exit ballot for a normal election – comprehensively exhibits that Skinner was the least common contestant by a great distance. There is no such thing as a conspiracy. These are the chilly, exhausting information.”

Thomas, 34, claimed he was advised the BBC have been “offended and nervous” about his involvement of their programme as a result of his assembly with US Vice President J.D. Vance.

He stated this week: “That very same e mail talked about the BBC was very offended and nervous just because I had met JD Vance. Let me be clear, I am not a political bloke. By no means have been. I simply love my nation and am patriotic. I have been made out by the press to be this political determine. If anybody was to get a chance like what I did, they might have taken it.

“I nonetheless suppose it’s mad {that a} man like me who sells mattresses out of a van can name somebody that senior on the planet’s politics a pal now.”

Thomas claimed he had requested to view the official voting figures however was refused entry.

He added: “I’ve requested to see the official voting figures to again up those I used to be despatched within the e mail however was advised they could not be proven to me. And have by no means been proven within the historical past of the present.”

The fact TV persona stated it was the BBC’s personal welfare group who beneficial he search authorized counsel concerning his Strictly exit. He penned: “I’ve spoke in regards to the e mail I had acquired to senior folks and the BBC welfare group, who btw I genuinely respect. And so they was those who suggested me to get authorized recommendation due to how unfair all of it was.”

BBC insiders have stated they’re but to obtain any authorized correspondence from Thomas. A supply stated many throughout the Company felt disillusioned by his outbursts, contemplating the assist he acquired throughout his numerous controversies whereas on the present.

Thomas advised the Mirror: “Concerning the nameless e mail and verification course of, I do not want to remark additional presently or launch something publicly. As for the voting figures, I do know for a incontrovertible fact that the knowledge you’ve just isn’t correct. That stated, it does not materially matter to me now, and I am not trying to contest this publicly.”

He additionally issued a press release on social media, saying: “I wish to be clear: I do not hate the BBC… I am not in search of battle. I simply wish to get on with my life.”

A BBC Spokesperson stated: “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is independently overseen and verified to make sure full accuracy each week. Any claims on the contrary are totally with out basis. Sadly, regardless of requests for it, Mr Skinner is but to share the e-mail he references with anybody from the BBC so we’re unable to touch upon it.”

PromoVeritas – the agency that independently verifies the Strictly public vote – stated: “All votes are independently and comprehensively verified by two auditors. We are able to affirm that every one votes acquired are validated. This has been the case each week and we’ve reported no points with the general public vote or how it’s being represented within the closing outcomes.”

For the most recent breaking information and tales from throughout the globe from the Every day Star, join our newsletters.