BBC reveals how much Thomas Skinner was paid for ‘embarrassing’ Question Time appearance

The BBC has confirmed how much Thomas Skinner was paid for his controversial appearance on Question Time this week.

The former star of The Apprentice, 35, was a guest on Thursday night’s episode of the news panel show, where his assertions on the state of modern social media soon set the cat among the pigeons.

‘It’s always about people screaming and shouting if you don’t agree with me, with what I stand for, if you don’t agree with my politics,’ he had said, calling out those who might call him a ‘gammon’ online.

‘I try and spread a bit of positivity and a bit of love, do you know what I mean?’
The TV personality and Reform UK member has since bragged about earning £2000 for his appearance on the show – a claim that the BBC denies.

In the time after the episode aired, Skinner took to X, where he said: ‘I’m not there representing any party.

I’m there because it pays £2,000 and I like watching Question Time.’
Claiming that he’s been asked ‘probably 9 or 10 times to attend over the last 4 or 5 years,’ Skinner said that he ‘really enjoyed’ his time on the show.

However, the BBC has denied Skinner’s claims of a £2k paycheck, with a spokesperson telling Metro: ‘Question Time offers a fee of £150 to panellists who aren’t politicians.’
The broadcaster also took to social media to publicly dispute Skinner’s claims, with a tweet re-iterating the £150 fee for non-polititians.

Skinner subsequently clarified his position in a statement to The Sun, telling the tabloid:  ‘My understanding of the fee came directly from my management, who informed me that I would be paid £2,000 for attending.’
Reiterating that he was ‘a big fan’ and had ‘really enjoyed being part of the show,’ he continued: ‘At the same time, it is work for me, and with three kids, I have to treat these opportunities as part of my job.’

What did you make of Thomas Skinner’s Question Time appearance?Comment Now
However much he was paid for it, Skinner’s Question Time debut certainly sparked dialogue among viewers.

As AntMcGuire picked up on Skinner being ‘out of his depth,’ AdamLawSec branded the show ‘a paper-thin facade and frankly embarrassing.’
Meanwhile, SportKHards joined a chorus of voices asking ‘who invited Tom Skinner?’
Of those who were more sympathetic to Skinner’s plight, ianrankin61 said that he was ‘absolutely smashing it,’ while a popcorn-munching Joanna19997073 egged him on with a rallying cry of ‘Sock it to them, Tom!’
However, Skinner’s loudest detractor was host Fiona Bruce, who argued that he benefits from the negativity of social media, making a living from the algorithm which pushes users toward his content.

‘How can you on the one hand say “people shouldn’t be doing it so much” but, on the other hand, you are benefiting from it?” she asked.

Skinner attempted to defend himself by saying that his main income comes from his businesses, but Bruce hit back: ‘In the nicest possible way, you’re part of the problem.’
Skinner rose to fame after first appearing on The Apprentice in 2019, where he became known for his wide-boy demeanor and distinctive catchphrase.

Last year, he courted controversy when he was appointed to participate in Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Amy Dowden.

Many criticised the BBC for selecting Skinner to be a part of the show, due in part to his social media activity and endorsement of Donald Trump.

He continued to court controversy before the show had even begun, by storming out of a press event and admitting to cheating on his wife.

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