statement

Thomas Skinner was said to be ‘suing’ the BBC over his early exit from Strictly and has claimed that the BBC ‘rigged’ the votes to orchestrate his elimination from the dance competition

Thomas Skinner has hit back at press attention of his rumoured feud with the BBC in furious statement made on Good Morning Britain. Ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing live final on 20 December, it was reported that Skinner was ‘suing’ the BBC as he believed they had ‘rigged’ the votes to ensure he would be eliminated first, which the BBC strongly denied. The broadcaster made clear that they had not received any legal paperwork and Skinner did not confirm that he was suing.

However, after refusing to appear in the live final, Skinner posted a statement to X where he said he “received an anonymous email claiming to be from a BBC exec with stats, saying I’d received far more votes than it appeared and it wasn’t right”. Following the statement, The Mirror exclusively revealed that Skinner’s voting figures may not be as high as he believes.

READ MORE: Thomas Skinner ‘dropped by agent’ after threatening to sue BBC over Strictly axeREAD MORE: Thomas Skinner’s true Strictly voting figures revealed leaving BBC fight in tatters

A source pointed to an independent exit poll of 125,000 viewers as “clear evidence of his unpopularity.” It showed how Skinner attracted just 1805 votes, which was the lowest of any contestant on the BBC programme. The source claimed: “The poll – which is larger than an exit poll for a general election – comprehensively shows that Skinner was the least popular contestant by a long way. There is no conspiracy. These are the cold, hard facts.”

Hitting back at the article in a statement shared on Good Morning Britain, Skinner said he was “struggling to understand” why his words on X were getting so much attention. He said: “I don’t hate the BBC – they gave me my big break on The Apprentice. I had discussions with my representatives on Wednesday evening which I believed to be private and confidential and I spoke openly with them in confidence.

“I was obviously gutted when I received the email on the evening I left the show, and at first I didn’t believe it was true. When I raised this in conversation, I was advised by the BBC to seek legal advice. I’ve had a difficult year with the press attention I didn’t seek, and I’m honestly struggling to understand why this continues to escalate. “

Similarly, when approached by The Mirror, Skinner said he did not believe the low voting figures were accurate but refused to reveal how he was able to verify the “anonymous email” his information came from.

He said: “Regarding the anonymous email and verification process, I don’t wish to comment further at this time or release anything publicly. As for the voting figures, I know for a fact that the information you have is not accurate. That said, it doesn’t materially matter to me now, and I’m not looking to contest this publicly.”

Despite “not looking to contest this publicly”, Skinner made a lengthy public statement on X where he insisted his elimination was “unfair” and that a BBC exec had told him that the broadcaster was angry over his friendship with JD Vance.

He wrote: “On the night I left the show, I received an anonymous email claiming to be from a BBC exec with stats, saying I’d received far more votes than it appeared and it wasn’t right. I’ve since had the email independently verified.”

“That same email mentioned the BBC was very angry an nervous simply because I had met JD Vance (USA VICE PRESIDENT). Let me be clear, I’m not a political bloke. Never have been. I just love my country and am patriotic. I’ve been made out by the press to be this political figure. If anyone was to get an opportunity like what I did, they would have taken it. I still think it is mad that a man like me who sells mattresses out of a van can call someone that senior in the world ’s politics a friend now.”

“I have asked to see the official voting figures to back up the ones I was sent in the email but was told they couldn’t be shown to me. And have never been shown in the history of the show. I have spoke about the email I had received to senior people and the BBC welfare team, who btw I genuinely respect. And they was the ones who advised me to get legal advice because of how unfair it all was. (This was not my idea).”

However, a BBC spokesperson said Skinner never shared the email he referenced. They told the Mirror: “”In response to Tom’s latest statement, the BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing’s public vote is independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy every week. Any claims to the contrary are entirely without foundation. Unfortunately, despite requests for it, Mr Skinner is yet to share the email he references with anyone from the BBC so we are unable to comment on it.”

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Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua apologized for performing a gesture “antisemitic in nature” during a livestream, stating he originally had no idea it “perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.”

“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people,” Nacua wrote in a post on Instagram.

Nacua made the gesture while appearing on a livestream with Adin Ross and N3on. The livestreamers suggested he perform the gesture the next time he celebrated after scoring a touchdown.

“There is no place in this world for Antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity, or race,” the Rams said in a statement.

The NFL also released a statement: “The NFL strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and derogatory behavior directed towards any group or individual. The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”

Nacua’s gesture came on the same livestream in which he also criticized NFL referees, calling them “the worst” and claiming many probably get a thrill making bad calls on national television during games.

Former Lionness Karen Karney, Reality TV personality Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke will battle it out this weekend at the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 live grand final

“It’s not about the Glitterball trophy… it’s so much bigger than that,” says former Lioness Karen Carney ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing final this weekend.

Viewers have watched Karen go on quite a journey over the 13 week series, transforming from shy ex-footballer into elegant ballroom dancer.

Karen, 38, is now favourite to win the show over her fellow finalists George Clarke and Amber Davies, though she’s already taken one title in being the first football star in 21 years to make it to the end.

“It feels weird and I can’t quite believe it but I’m really proud,” says Karen. “What I learned from being an athlete is that things are over very quickly. One minute I was a 17-year-old footballer who burst onto the scene, allegedly, and the next I was old and retired and couldn’t move. Life goes very, very quick. I’ve tried to enjoy every second.”

Following her decision to retire after a spate of injuries at 31, Karen suffered a total crisis of confidence. “I couldn’t figure out how to fix that,” she says. “For five or six years I felt crushed. But I always thought if I could ever get the opportunity to throw myself into what I felt would be a safe environment then I’m taking it. I always knew in my heart Strictly would be that thing. Every Saturday I’d watch it at home and I’d fall in love with the dancers and enjoy their journeys and I’d forget about everything else. I thought if I ever got the privilege to join it would help me and it absolutely has.

“It’s rebuilt my confidence and this is by far the happiest I’ve ever been. I’ve smiled like I never have before, and I’m forever grateful to the show and to Carlos [partner Carlos Gu] for that. I feel I have a responsibility to give it everything I’ve got because I know when I was sitting on the sofa Strictly helped me. I have to give that feeling back to everyone at home.”

Viewers have seen Karen thrive on the show, as she jokes she’s been ‘living her best life’ in sequins and feathers.

“I hoped the show would be everything I dreamed of and it’s absolutely smashed it and surpassed it. I’ve drummed with the band, I’ve got a signed photo of [costume designer] Vicky Gill and I’ve had one of my outfits signed. But I’ve also been naughty and nicked my Peaky Blinders hat,” confesses Karen, admitting she swiped the flat cap from her Brummie inspired Argentine Tango, a dance she will recreate for the judge’s pick in the final. “I never thought I’d do it again so I took it as a memento. Now I’ve got to find it in the house again for Saturday.

“That dance was a turning point because we dipped for about four or five weeks until that. This number was about representing Birmingham for me. I said to myself, ‘You cannot let your city down girl. You’ve got to dig deep, fight for this and you’ve got to represent.’ I walked in on a Monday and I was like, ‘Right I’m in character and I’m ready to go’… and Carlos laughed at my serious faces.”

Despite their obvious banter, it’s clear nobody is a bigger champion of Karen than her partner Carlos who has had a front row seat for the huge change in the sportswoman.

“In the beginning when I met her, she was not confident and insecure.,” recalls Carlos. “But we all saw that Waltz where she became a princess. It was one of the best moments in my life to see her like that. She was so beautiful.”While Karen has undergone a journey of self-belief, for fellow finalist Amber, Strictly has been an often emotional and challenging battle with the public’s perception of her. After being accused of being ‘too confident’, ‘too polished’ and ‘too good’ for the show, Amber’s previous stage experience – appearing in hit shows including 9 to 5: The Musical and The Great Gatsby musical – seemed to be the very thing that sabotaged her.

Despite huge praise and high scores from the judges each week, Amber is the only finalist to have been in the dance-off this series.

“I didn’t know what my purpose was on Strictly until I realised that I was getting a lot of negative comments for being good,” she says. “I can’t believe I have to say this in 2025 but being ambitious as a woman, being confident, having dreams and working hard does not mean you are stuck up. It doesn’t mean you are arrogant. I want to change that. It shouldn’t even be the narrative.

“I’ve had lots of people say, ‘I can’t warm to her’. It’s because they don’t want to warm to me. That’s it. At the end of the day, I come from a small town in north Wales and I have worked so hard because I love what I do.”

Defending her place in the competition, Amber says: “I was given this opportunity… nobody was going to decline Strictly as a Strictly fan.”

Amber, 29, had been a last minute sign up after fellow ex Love Island star Dani Dyer withdrew to injury days before the launch.

“Getting to the final was never on my bingo card,” says Amber. Asked if she could see herself take home the trophy, she replies: “What is the definition of winning? For me, even just getting that phone call to be on the show I felt like I’d won.”

Revealing what she’s learned from the experience, Amber says: “Whatever you care for in life, go for it with two hands and don’t undermine yourself to make other people feel comfortable, because that’s not what we’re here for.”

For professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin it’s been a dream to be paired with a celebrity with Amber’s skill.

“It’s just outstanding to see your partner shine,” he says. “I’ve found it exciting to do things on the show that have never been done before because the show’s been going over 20 years and to create new things and to think outside the box… And then when you have people like Amber, who are light, can do everything that you ask of them then why not go for it?”

While the finalists are gearing up to compete in front of an audience of millions this Saturday night, content creator George will be one of the first to admit he started as one of the lesser known names on this year’s line-up, despite having two million followers on TikTok.

“It’’s a completely different world to what I’m used to. I’m used to performing into a camera that’s [close up to] my face and I can cut out all the rubbish bits. Unfortunately, I can’t do that on the dancefloor,” says George, 26. “This is something my family can properly understand. They’ve always been supportive but this is different.”

Being on the show has also brought George to the attention of a whole new fan base. “It’s weird to walk down the street now,” he says, revealing he’s approached by grandmothers asking for selfies to youngsters calling his name. “And screaming teenage girls,” adds his partner Alexis Warr. “I block that out,” insists George.

After Angryginge won I’m A Celebrity… Get Met Out of Here! , 2025 could be the year two social media stars win the biggest reality shows on television.

“It’s good to have that representation,” says George. “Congratulations to him and fingers crossed for me!”

The final is also the last time Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will front the show after announcing their exit, with emotions set to run extra high in the ballroom this weekend.

“We’re aware of how big a part of Strictly Tess and Claudia are and it’s a privilege to be able to be a part of one of their seasons let alone their last one,” says George. “Even after one series we’ve realised how inclusive and loving they are. We’ve known them for 13 weeks but it feels like longer and they genuinely care about us. You can tell why they’ve been a part of the show for so long.”

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final, Saturday, BBC One,7pm

THE children of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, have spoken out days after their parents were found dead with their throats slit in their Los Angeles home.

The director’s children, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, released a statement regarding the “horrific and devastating” loss of their parents.

The couple’s middle son, Nick, 32, was arrested and charged with their murders on Sunday evening.

“Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,” Jake and Romy told TMZ.

“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”

The children went onto thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life.

“We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

Tracy Reiner, the adopted daughter from Rob’s first marriage, said she was “in shock” when she heard the news.

“I came from the greatest family ever,” Tracy, 61, told NBC News. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”

Jake, Romy, and Tracy notably did not mention the alleged involvement of their other sibling, Nick.

Nick is facing two counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of his mother and father.

In California, those two charges hold up to two life sentences with the option of parole after 25 years.

“Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a news conference.

Hochman said prosecutors have not decided whether they plan to seek the death penalty.

“This case is heartbreaking and deeply personal, not only for the Reiner family and their loved ones but for our entire city,” LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell said at the conference.

Nick was expected to appear in court on Tuesday, but was unable to be transported from jail for medical reasons, forcing the hearing to be pushed to Wednesday.

SHOCKING SCENE

The Oscar-nominated director and his wife were reportedly found by their daughter, Romy, stabbed to death around 3:30 pm on December 14.

Nick was arrested later that day at 9:15 pm, according to arrest records.

The arrest was announced on Monday, and Nick was booked into an LA County jail and was being held on a $4 million bond.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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Netflix and iHeartMedia announced Tuesday they have an exclusive video partnership deal to bring more than 15 original podcasts, including “The Breakfast Club,” true crime podcast “My Favorite Murder” and Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” to the subscription streaming service.

The multi-year deal, which launches in early 2026, includes new episodes from the podcasts and some library episodes. The video podcasts will first roll out on Netflix in the U.S. and later to other markets. Netflix declined to disclose the financial terms of the deal.

The announcement comes as Netflix is adding more video podcasts to its lineup to diversify the content on its streaming service and better compete with YouTube. Several of the iHeart podcasts involved in the deal, including “My Favorite Murder,” have posted videos of their podcasts on Google’s video platform prior to the deal’s announcement.

“With this partnership we are incredibly excited to offer our members such unmatched variety, and to deliver highly entertaining podcasts featuring some of the world’s most dynamic personalities,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix’s vice president of content licensing and programming strategy in a statement.

In October, Netflix announced next year it would stream 16 Spotify video podcasts, including sports audio programs like “The Bill Simmons Podcast” and “The Ringer Fantasy Football Show.”

Video podcasts have become more popular among audio listeners. Roughly 70% of podcast listeners prefer their shows with video, according to a Cumulus Media study. Some of the programs also have huge followings — for example, “My Favorite Murder,” with hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, has generated about 2 billion lifetime downloads according to iHeart and Netflix in a press release.

Other video podcasts coming to Netflix include comedy podcast “This is Important,” mental health podcast “The Psychology of your 20s” and history podcast “Behind the Bastards.”

iHeart will keep its audio-only rights and distribution as part of the deal, with its podcasts continuing to be on iHeartRadio and “everywhere podcasts are heard,” the companies said. iHeart did not immediately return a request for comment on the financial terms of the Netflix deal.

“Netflix has a leading video-first service, and this partnership perfectly complements our strong audio foundation,” Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia CEO in a statement. “Working with Netflix—an important leader in entertainment— gives fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love and opens the door to new audiences, including viewers discovering these shows for the first time.”

Glasgow Warriors’ stunning comeback victory over Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup will do wonders for their confidence, says fly-half Adam Hastings.

Franco Smith’s side looked to be heading for a heavy defeat as the six-time European champions raced into a 21-0 half-time lead.

Warriors caught fire in the second half to turn the game on its head, running in four unanswered tries to deliver arguably the greatest European win in their history.

“It was just mental,” Hastings, who was named player of the match, told BBC Scotland.

“For [the fans] to come out on a night like this, a sell out, and just get behind us, it means the world.

“It’s huge for the mental side of it as well, the confidence that we got, because we’ve had a few scoldings in Europe over the past couple of years, and it’s just good that a statement result like that, especially at home as well.”

Walt Disney Co. agreed to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and license iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to Sora, OpenAI’s short-form, artificial intelligence video platform.

As part of the three-year licensing pact, Sora will be able to generate short, user-prompted social videos that can be viewed and shared by fans, drawing from a library of more than 200 animated and creature characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, according to a statement from Disney on Thursday. The deal doesn’t cover any talent likenesses or voices.

At the same time, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI, using its tools to build new products and experiences and deploying ChatGPT for its employees.

“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works,” Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said in the statement.

Hollywood studios have been reluctant to get into business with an AI company, wary of how it might use their data and of angering the labor unions with which they work every day. But OpenAI has been talking to the industry’s largest studios, including Disney, Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., about the creative and commercial potential of Sora, Bloomberg News has previously reported.

The AI developer unveiled a new version of Sora in September as a standalone social app, available by invitation. As with the original Sora, released last December, users can generate short clips in response to text prompts, but the new app allows people to see videos created by others. Beyond that, users can create a realistic-looking AI avatar and voice of themselves, which can be inserted into videos made with the app by the user or their friends, with the avatar owner’s permission.

Schuetz writes for Bloomberg.