Monday, 5 October 2009

• Prev
• Next

Strictly's Anton Du Beke sorry over race slur

Dance partner Laila Rouass has forgiven him

Laila Rouass has accepted partner Anton Du Beke's apology

Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke has made a public apology after it was claimed he called Laila Rouass a Paki.

The 43-year-old denied being racist after an exchange during a training session with the Footballer's Wives star two weeks ago.

‘I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language,' reads the statement.

‘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.'

Laila, 38, has forgiven Anton.

‘It was a situation which happened that we have moved on from and I accept his apology,' she says.

‘I'm really enjoying the show and dancing with Anton and hope we can go as far as possible in the competition.'

SEE PICTURES Strictly Come Dancing 2009 contestants revealed>> 

SEE PICTURES All the best moments from Strictly Come Dancing 2008>>

Get more news like this every week. Subscribe to Now magazine and save 30%>>