{"id":858939,"date":"2026-03-29T20:41:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T20:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/858939\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T20:41:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T20:41:16","slug":"thomas-skinner-doubles-down-on-claim-he-made-2k-for-question-time-appearance-despite-bbc-clarification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/858939\/","title":{"rendered":"Thomas Skinner doubles down on claim he made \u00a32k for Question Time appearance despite BBC clarification"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thomas Skinner is standing by his assertion that he was told he would receive \u00a32,000 for appearing on BBC Question Time, despite the broadcaster maintaining that non-politician panellists are offered just \u00a3150.<\/p>\n

The former Apprentice contestant, 35, has now clarified the source of his payment claim in a statement to The Sun.<\/p>\n

“My understanding of the fee came directly from my management, who informed me that I would be paid \u00a32,000 for attending,” Skinner explained.<\/p>\n

He added: “I’m a big fan of Question Time and really enjoyed being part of the show. At the same time, it is work for me, and with three kids, I have to treat these opportunities as part of my job.”<\/p>\n

\"Thomas<\/p>\n

Thomas Skinner appeared on BBC Question Time last week<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

A BBC spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail: “Question Time offers a fee of \u00a3150 to panellists who aren’t politicians.”<\/p>\n

The dispute emerged after Mr Skinner appeared on Thursday’s programme, which was broadcast from Clacton-on-Sea. He joined host Fiona Bruce alongside justice minister Jake Richards, former security minister Tom Tugendhat and Liberal Democrat Layla Moran.<\/p>\n

Following the episode, Mr Skinner posted on X explaining his motivation for taking part.<\/p>\n

“I’m not there representing any party. I’m there because it pays \u00a32,000 and I like watching Question Time,” he wrote.<\/p>\n

\"Thomas<\/p>\n

Thomas Skinner doubled down on claims the BBC paid him \u00a32,000<\/p>\n

| <\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

The businessman revealed he had been invited approximately nine or ten times over the past four or five years before finally accepting.<\/p>\n

“So I decided to give it a go. And I really enjoyed it,” he added.<\/p>\n

The official Question Time account responded publicly, stating: “Question Time can confirm that panellists who are not politicians are offered an appearance fee of \u00a3150.”<\/p>\n

The episode sparked immediate backlash from viewers, who were angered that Mr Skinner was introduced as a “TV personality” rather than being identified as a Reform UK member.<\/p>\n

\n

Good morning everyone, and happy Friday \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

I really enjoyed doing Question Time last night, what an experience. I can see it\u2019s rattled a few of the usual angry lot on here as well\u2026 \ud83e\udd23\ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n

What I\u2019ve noticed is the insults ain\u2019t about what I said. It\u2019s the same old stuff. My\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/g2Mq1Al7Cl<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Thomas Skinner \u2692 (@iamtomskinner) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Further controversy arose over the absence of Nigel Farage, the MP for Clacton-on-Sea, from a programme filmed in his own constituency.<\/p>\n

Mr Farage addressed the matter on social media, writing: “I wasn’t able to take part in #BBCQT from Clacton tonight, as we were told MPs are not allowed to appear on the show in their own constituencies.”<\/p>\n

Labour MP Mike Tapp challenged this explanation, pointing out he had appeared on the programme in Dover, his own seat, just months earlier.<\/p>\n

The BBC subsequently clarified there is a longstanding policy preventing MPs from appearing in their local constituencies unless it is for a single-issue special programme, which explained Tapp’s Dover appearance for an immigration-focused edition.<\/p>\n

\"TomTom Skinner appeared on the latest BBC Question Time | BBC<\/p>\n

Mr Skinner’s appearance also featured a heated exchange with Ms Bruce<\/a> over social media use, prompted by discussion of a landmark US case in which Meta and Google were ordered to pay \u00a32.2 million to a woman for her platform addiction.<\/p>\n

The 35-year-old, who has 536,000 TikTok followers, criticised excessive phone use among young people while acknowledging he earns money from platforms including Instagram and TikTok.<\/p>\n

The host challenged him directly, arguing that he profits from the very algorithms that drive compulsive usage.<\/p>\n

“You are benefiting from social media, you make part of your living that way,” she told him. “In the nicest possible way, you are part of the problem.”<\/p>\n

Skinner defended himself by describing his content as focused on “spreading a bit of positivity and a bit of love.”<\/p>\n