BBC Denies Thomas Skinner’s Claims About Question Time Pay

The BBC has responded to speculation about how much Question Time guests are paid to appear, following recent claims made by Thomas Skinner.

Last week, the divisive TV personality made his inaugural appearance on Question Time, alongside Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem MPs Jake Richards, Tom Tygendhat and Layla Moran.

In response to a comment from one viewer suggesting Thomas had been booked due to him being a “vocal supporter” of Nigel Farage’s Reform party, the former Strictly Come Dancing star wrote on X: “I’m not there representing any party. I’m there because it pays £2,000 and I like watching Question Time.”

He added: “I’ve been asked probably nine or 10 times to attend over the last four or five years. So I decided to give it a go. And I really enjoyed it.”

Shortly after this, Question Time clarified: “Question Time can confirm that panellists who are not politicians are offered an appearance fee of £150.”

Despite this, Thomas continued to maintain that he “agreed £2000 for me to go on” Question Time, as well as “agreeing” that “they pay [my] driver £400 on the night to take me and bring me back”.

He later told The Sun: “My understanding of the fee came directly from my management, who informed me that I would be paid £2,000 for attending.

“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”.

A BBC rep reiterated that non-politicians were paid £150 for their time on the panel show.

HuffPost UK has contacted the BBC for additional comment.

The most recent instalment of Question Time was filmed in Clacton-On-Sea, where Reform leader Nigel Farage is the current MP.

He said before the broadcast that he was “not able to take part” in the broadcast due to a BBC policy which forbids MPs from “appearing on the show in their own constituencies”.

“There is a longstanding policy on Question Time not to invite MPs on in their local constituencies unless it’s for a single-issue special programme,” a spokesperson for the broadcaster later confirmed.