Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner is under the protection of Spider-Man actor Tom Holland’s former bodyguard after concerns over him receiving death threats
Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner is bring protected by Tom Holland’s former bodyguard after he received death threats.
Former Royal Marine Daniel Gilbert joined the former The Apprentice contestant at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey on Thursday as he filmed scenes for Saturday’s show. Daniel was seen keeping watch over Thomas as he and his dance partner Amy Dowden filmed at a market stall.
Daniel has protected many big name stars including last year when he was seen watching over Spider-Man star Tom Holland at a pro-am golf tournament in Wentworth, Surrey. He was also part of the team working on Love Island All Stars in South Africa with Maya Jama.
A source said, “He’s one of the best in the industry. He’s trained to the best standard and nothing gets past him. Thomas is in safe hands.”
It comes after reports that bosses at Strictly are concerned for Essex entrepreneur Thomas after he received multiple threats. The dad of three found himself coming under fire when he posed on social media in a picture with US Vice President JD Vance.
He was invited to a barbecue in the Cotswolds by the political figure last month during his trip to the UK.
Thomas said, “I’ve had loads of death threats. People say I am this political figure that I’m actually not. The Left seems to be attacking me every day on social media. The Right seem to see me as a figurehead. It’s been a bit much for me.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest the BBC have upgraded security this year to protect all of the show’s contestants and dancers. They replaced Olympus Security (UK) who work at Elstree Studios where Strictly is filmed, with a firm who specialises in film and TV industry work, SRM Security,
A source told The Sun, “Bosses take show security very seriously and have a new, top-notch company on set. They’re sending close protection officers with all the contestants when they are filming on location.
“The production team wants all the talent to feel at ease and happy so they can focus on dancing and enjoying their time on the show. Thomas especially has attracted a lot of attention and has been open about receiving death threats.”
Strictly is no stranger security issues and in 2020, Dianne Buswell also received death threats. Ex-servicemen were also enlisted after judge Motsi Mabuse became a target for racists in 2019, while head judge Shirley Ballas has also been subjected to threats on different occasions.
A BBC spokesman told the publication, “While we wouldn’t comment on specific security matters, there have been no changes to existing protocols based on a specific cast member.”
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