Strictly star Tom Skinner's son has surgery days before show start after dad taken ill

Thomas Skinner's Strictly Come Dancing preparation has been overtaken by his son undergoing surgery and his dad being taken ill.

The Apprentice star has endured a challenging weekend as he gears up to hit the dancefloor in the weeks ahead. He has shared an important family update, with three-year-old lad Henry going under the knife. He hasn't disclosed why, but was quick to thanks the NHS for their support.

The BBC favourite is due to return to screens on September 20. Thomas will appear in this year's show alongside Vicky Pattison, Dani Dyer and a host of other famous faces. Thomas, 34, who sells mattresses in addition to his media appearances, was unveiled as a contestant on Strictly last month, with many questioning the decision.

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The businessman has had a lot to contend with in the build up and took to social media to update fans on Sunday. He wrote: "Whilst my brave little boy Henry undergoes his surgery this morning at hospital with Sinéad. I have taken my girls out for breakfast to keep my mind of worrying.

"I also dressed them (as you can see I don’t know how to do their hair so it is down today). I just wanted to say how amazing all the medical staff are in the UK." I spent all evening up the hospital with my dad who’s unwell at the moment and these guys work night and day and are fantastic.

"It might be one of those weekends….. But we keep on going. Love you all and have a wonderful Sunday. Please West Ham cheer me up this afternoon. Bosh." He shared with fans the efforts that he is prepared to go to in order to stand a fighting chance of staying in the competition until the end.

Uploading a picture of himself to his social media, which showed him running with a vest on holding 20kg weights in it, while pushing a buggy with his three kids accompanying him. Thomas captioned his post saying: "3 kids in the pram….20kg weighted vest on…. Up hill….in the rain….running like a steam train."

He added: "We are taking the training for Strictly Come Dancing seriously. Doing it for the pint drinking, kebab eating dads out there with the beer belly’s. We got this. Bosh (heart emoji)." Speaking about being part of this year's celebrity line-up, he explained to listeners on Hits Radio: "It's my mum's favourite show, I'm going to be putting on the outfits and trying my best."

Aside from building up his stamina, the reality TV star has also swapped his beloved fry up breakfasts for a healthier option. Taking to his Instagram, he told his followers: "Swapped the fry up for salmon and eggs this morning."

Before news emerged of who will be joining this year's line-up, speculation was rife. But as soon as Thomas was given the green light by Strictly bosses, he wasted no time in teasing his fans.

Posting a picture of his lunch at his local café, he used his potato alphabet to spell out the word Strictly, unveiling that he was set to take part and fans cottoned on straight away. He had spelt out the name of the show which sat on the rim of his plate, accompanied by a pie, chips, beans and mixed vegetables.

Thomas' inclusion upset some due to his past conviction of handling stolen goods, a crime which he was punished for and openly wrote about in his book. The crime occurred in 2011. He took to social media once again and wrote: "Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it."

Thomas lives a humble life with his three children and wife and sells mattresses when away from TV. In a now deleted tweet, he allegedly wrote: "How do all these celebrities have loads of money? You don't get bundles of dough for TV or adverts etc (well I don't)….But I look on Instagram and they're always in this gaff or posting in a new motor."

He added: "I finished me Strictly stuff earlier today and I'm now out in me van delivering mattresses. Do I need to be part of a special club now on the tele that's gives ya unlimited monies."

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