Former The Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner was overcome with emotion during filming for a special festive edition of the show, breaking down in tears upon his return to the famous boardroom.
A Surge of Emotion in the Boardroom
The 34-year-old market trader, who first appeared on the BBC reality series in 2019, reunited with Lord Alan Sugar for The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas specials. In poignant opening moments, Skinner was visibly moved, becoming glassy-eyed as he stepped back into the iconic setting.
Baroness Karren Brady directly asked if he was crying. "I don't get upset really, it's just I done this show six years ago and this show changed my life," he explained emotionally. "I'm back here." Lord Sugar joked that he was glad to have him back, quipping that Skinner was the only candidate he might get to fire twice.
Reflecting on a Life-Changing Experience
Skinner admitted he "never in a million years" expected such a powerful reaction. Speaking to The Mail, he reflected on the stark contrast between his life now and in 2019. "When I was there it just made me think back to when I was first sitting in that boardroom... I didn't really have anything back then, before I had kids and before I built my businesses up really properly," he said.
He credited the original experience with launching his success. "This experience all those years ago put me on the map really and made me successful I suppose, and opened so many doors for me," Skinner stated. He described returning for the charity special as a "proper honour," delighted to help raise money for Children in Need.
Celebrity Teams and Recent Challenges
For the special, Skinner has been teamed up with celebrities including JB Gill, Angela Scanlon, Matt Morsia, Sarah Hadland, and Shazia Mirza. They will compete against a rival group featuring AJ Odudu, Charlie Hedges, recent I'm A Celebrity star Eddie Kadi, Jake Woods, Kadeena Cox, and Rob Rinder.
Despite his business background, Skinner insisted he expected no special treatment from his famous teammates. "Listen, I'm a market trader. I sell things at the back of my van... I'll just go to work," he said, expressing respect for his fellow "legends."
The filming comes after a challenging period for Skinner, who was the first celebrity voted off the current series of Strictly Come Dancing. He later expressed regret about participating, citing online abuse.
The Celebrity Apprentice festive special will air on December 29 and 30 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
