Once again Strictly Come Dancing is at the centre of a racist scandal.
Anton du Beke, who partners Laila Rouass in BBC talent show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, has sparked a race row after he was heard calling her an offensive name.
I am not a racist and I do not use racist language
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Anton du Beke is at the centre of a race row. The professional dancer has sparked outrage after it was revealed he called his partner on the BBC talent show Laila Rouass - whose father is Moroccan and mother is Indian - a "P**i".
Anton used the term while training with Laila, but BBC bosses have decided not to make him leave the show as he has apologised.
Anton said: "I am not a racist and I do not use racist language. During our rehearsals, Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter - entirely in jest - and two weeks ago there was an occasion where this term was used between the two of us.
"There was no racial intent whatsoever. I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused."
Laila said: "I accept his apology. I am really enjoying the show and dancing with Anton and I hope we can go as far as possible in the competition."
It is not the first time Anton has been accused of making an offensive remark. When he first met Laila, he was quoted as saying: "Oh no! You’re not a terrorist are you?"
Meanwhile, ‘Crimewatch’ presenter Rav Wilding was voted off the show last night (03.10.09) after competing in the dance-off with ‘Loose Women’ star Lynda Bellingham.
Rav and partner Aliona Vilani danced the quickstep, but their efforts were rubbished by judges.
Craig Revel Horwood said: "Oh dear. The dance was disjointed, you looked as though you were fighting each other."
Len Goodman added: "Unfortunately, you got a difficult dance that didn't suit you."
Alesha Dixon said: "A bit cheesy, you were faffing around and it was distracting and uncomfortable to watch."
Boxer Joe Calzaghe scrapped through to the next show despite disappointing with his Paso Doble with partner Kristina Rhianoff.
The pair scored 19 points, although Craig admitted they showed "some improvement".
Tagged in Laila Rouass Strictly Come Dancing