The 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing featured 15 couples, and one of them was out after the very first live show. Thomas Skinner, a British entrepreneur, partnered with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. They performed a Cha-Cha-Cha that earned low scores from the judges, leading to their elimination in week one. Skinner finished in 15th place.
How Thomas Skinner Built His Business Empire Before the Dance Floor
Before he ever stepped onto the Strictly ballroom, Skinner had already founded several direct-to-consumer brands. He launched Eve Sleep, an online mattress company that went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2017. He also started Mankind, a men’s grooming brand, and Tielle Love Luxury, a homeware company. These ventures made him a recognizable figure in the UK start-up scene. His business background gave him a different kind of fame compared to the actors and athletes who usually appear on the show. Background on thomas skinner strictly is documented in Strictly's Thomas Skinner leaves press event early – BBC News
Skinner has spoken openly about the challenges of entrepreneurship. He has criticized the UK’s tax policies, arguing they make it harder for small businesses to grow. His experience with failure in business has been a recurring theme in his public comments. This pragmatic, sometimes blunt perspective set him apart from many other Strictly contestants.
A Timeline of Thomas Skinner’s Strictly Journey and Beyond
Skinner’s Strictly appearance was brief but memorable. He was announced as a contestant in August 2019. The first live show aired in September, and his Cha-Cha-Cha to “Get Stupid” by Aston Merrygold received a score of just 12 out of 40. The judges were critical of his timing and technique. He lost the dance-off to James Cracknell, the Olympic rower, and was eliminated.
After Strictly, Skinner returned to his business interests. In 2023, he appeared as a guest panelist on The Apprentice: You’re Fired!, the companion show to the BBC’s business competition. He offered his perspective on the candidates’ pitches, drawing on his own entrepreneurial experience. As of 2024, he remains active in the start-up and investment community, though Eve Sleep was acquired by Bensons for Beds in 2022 after financial difficulties.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Eve Sleep goes public on the London Stock Exchange |
| 2019 | Competes on Strictly Come Dancing, eliminated week one |
| 2022 | Eve Sleep acquired by Bensons for Beds |
| 2023 | Appears on The Apprentice: You’re Fired! as guest panelist |
What Thomas Skinner Is Doing Now and What Comes Next
Skinner has not returned to television as a regular presence, but he remains a commentator on business and entrepreneurship. He posts occasionally on social media about his investments and his views on the UK economy. He has also been involved in mentoring start-up founders. There is no indication he plans to return to dance, but his brief Strictly stint remains a notable chapter in his public profile.
His business career has had ups and downs. Eve Sleep’s acquisition was a mixed outcome — it saved the brand but at a fraction of its peak valuation. Skinner has acknowledged the difficulties of scaling a direct-to-consumer business in a competitive market. Still, he continues to back new ventures, focusing on consumer goods and technology.
Common Misconceptions About Thomas Skinner’s Strictly Appearance
One misconception is that Skinner was a poor dancer who didn’t try. In reality, he rehearsed hard but lacked natural rhythm and stage presence, according to his own post-show interviews. Another myth is that he was the worst contestant that season — while he scored low, other couples also struggled, and the dance-off result was close. Some viewers assumed he was a reality TV personality rather than a serious entrepreneur. In fact, his business achievements predate his television fame. Finally, people sometimes think he quit the show voluntarily, but he was eliminated by the judges’ decision after the dance-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Skinner best known for?
He is best known for founding the online mattress company Eve Sleep and for his brief appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, where he was eliminated in the first week.
Where was Thomas Skinner born?
He was born in England in 1982, though the exact city is not widely publicized. He grew up in the UK and later built his businesses there.
Who was Thomas Skinner’s dance partner on Strictly?
His professional dance partner was Luba Mushtuk, a Russian-born dancer who has been a pro on the show since 2018. They performed a Cha-Cha-Cha together.
How many businesses has Thomas Skinner founded?
He has founded at least three notable companies: Eve Sleep (mattresses), Mankind (men’s grooming), and Tielle Love Luxury (homeware). He has also been involved in other start-up investments.
When did Thomas Skinner appear on The Apprentice: You’re Fired?
He appeared as a guest panelist on the show in 2023, offering his entrepreneurial insights on the candidates’ pitches during that series.
