Strictly Come Dancing star Thomas Skinner broke down in tears in the boardroom during the festive special of the BBC's Celebrity Apprentice
09:44, 30 Dec 2025
Celebrity Apprentice viewers were left astonished as an emotional scene played out in the boardroom, with Thomas Skinner fighting tears and Alan Sugar responding with his usual sharp wit.
TV star Alan addressed Thomas as the 12 contestants were being introduced on the festive edition of the BBC show.
He asked the star, who was first on The Apprentice in 2019: "Since when did you get celebrity status?"
Thomas, who was on Strictly this year, responded: "I don't know."
Alan pressed on: "He was here as an ordinary candidate, now he's here on Celeb Apprentice, bit of a wheeler dealer. He sells Christmas cards on New Year's Day."
When Thomas became visibly moved, the show's Karren Brady asked: "Are you crying?"
According to the Express, Thomas confessed: "I don't get upset, really, it's just I didn't see this show six years ago, and it's changed my life, and I'm back here."
Alan then delivered another blow, quipping: "It is exciting for me too, as you're the only candidate I might end up firing twice."
Thomas, who was paired with Amy Dowden on Strictly, responded: "I hope not. Fingers crossed."
The exchange got people talking online, with one posting on X (formerly Twitter): "Bless Thomas Skinner crying on the show - he's a good guy with a good heart and appreciates all the opportunities he's had from this show. Go get 'em, @iamtomskinner, screw the haters! #celebrityapprentice."
Another said: "Bro gets his stuff taken out of context and just gets cooked randomly."
Someone else commented: "Jump scare when Thomas Skinner appears and CRIES."
The boardroom scene occurred as the latest group of celebrity contestants were formally announced for the Christmas special of The Celebrity Apprentice.
The candidates included TV host AJ Odudu, broadcaster and podcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, actor Jake Wood, singer and TV presenter JB Gill, Paralympic athlete Kadeena Cox and Gladiators legend Matt Morsia. Completing the line-up was barrister and TV presenter Rob Rinder, actor Sarah Hadland and comedian Shazia Mirza.
The celebrities were divided into two groups and transported to Lapland - Santa's official residence - where they had to craft their own gingerbread biscuits. Beyond baking the treats, the teams were also required to develop branding, film an advertisement and compose a Christmas jingle before presenting to retailers in hopes of securing orders.
Celebrity Apprentice airs on BBC One.