'Strictly' star says sorry for racial slur
'Strictly Come Dancing' was at the centre of a race row today after it was claimed that actress Laila Rouass was called a “Paki” by her professional partner.
Anton Du Beke used the insult a fortnight ago after the former Footballers’ Wives star had a spray tan, the News of the World said.
Last night he admitted the term was used “in jest”, but denied he was a racist and apologised for “any offence”.
Du Beke said: “I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language.
“During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.
“There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react. I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused.”
Rouass, who has an Indian mother and Moroccan father, has since accepted Du Beke’s apology.
She said: “It was a situation which happened that we have moved on from and I accept his apology. I’m really enjoying the show and dancing with Anton and hope we can go as far as possible in the competition.”
A spokesman for the BBC said: “The BBC does not condone offensive language in the workplace.”
Details of the incident, which saw Rouass walk away from the situation, were revealed as Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding became the third celebrity to be voted off the show.
The former policeman looked embarrassed and kept his head down after he was given the unanimous verdict by the judges on the BBC show.
He had faced actress Lynda Bellingham in the dance-off after the two celebrities scored the lowest marks when the judges’ marks were combined with viewers’ votes.
Wilding and partner Aliona Vilani got off to a poor start in the dance-off when the ex-soldier appeared to forget his steps as the music started.
Performing a quickstep to the Grease song 'We Go Together', the 30-year-old jumped his way around the floor and ended the routine with a cartwheel – but his moves were not rated as highly as the Oxo mum’s paso doble.
Choosing to save Bellingham and partner Darren Bennett, Craig Revel Horwood said: “The couple for me that danced the best in the dance off, personally was Lynda and Darren.”
After Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli agreed, head judge Len Goodman said: “Like the others I would have gone for Lynda and Darren, but unlucky Rav - I did think you did a great job in this dance off.”
Asked after his elimination if he would do it all again, a disappointed Wilding said: “I’m not going to get the chance, but yes I’d (have) loved to.”
The stakes were raised as all 14 remaining celebrities went head to head for the first time in the series.
Next week, the remaining 13 couples in the competition will perform either a foxtrot or a salsa.
