Concerns raised about Strictly judge’s historic misconduct after offensive remark

As the controversy surrounding Strictly Come Dancing rumbles on, concerns have been raised over the historic misconduct of one judge.

The BBC dance programme has been the TV show on everyone’s lips recently after the broadcaster launched a probe into the behaviour of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima during rehearsals.

Both Italian pros have since been let go from the show and will not be returning, with Amanda Abbington making a series of allegations of controlling behaviour against Giovanni – which he denies – while it later emerged that Graziano allegedly ‘hit and kicked’ Zara McDermott, actions he has expressed ‘deep regret’ for.

Shortly after, a third star was identified as a ‘person of interest’ to Carter Ruck, but the man in question is no longer part of the Strictly line-up.

In the latest development, a red flag has been raised regarding Anton Du Beke’s past comments to celebrity partner Laila Rouass.

Anton, 58, replaced Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel in 2021, sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse after serving as a professional for 18 series.

During this time, he was paired with Laila in 2009, with remarks he made having now been dug up as viewers ask why wasn’t he sacked,

Previously, Anton responded to the actress’s spray tan by saying she ‘looked like a p**i’.

It’s believed Laila stormed out of training when it happened.

He apologised publicly and reiterated his remorse on It Takes Two, saying: ‘I feel embarrassed. I feel stupid as well. It was a stupid thing to do, stupid thing to say.

‘I am mortified about it completely and, you know, Laila has been quite remarkably wonderful.’

She accepted his apology, stating in a 2011 interview: ‘The story had been blown out of proportion. Anton didn’t mean to be offensive. I wouldn’t have danced with him if he was racist.’

Laila even backed him again in 2016, championing him to become a permanent judge.

‘I think Anton would be a fabulous judge,’ she said at the time. ‘He’s so funny, I can’t tell you. I was so lucky to be paired with that man.’

However, according to The Sun, Laila has since been in touch with complainants about her time on the show.

She is even said to be considering legal action.

A source said:’“Anton has a very 1970s attitude and can be abrasive.

‘The lines are becoming increasingly blurred as to what is acceptable or not, and of course, some people have found him fine to work with.

‘But there were murmurings of discontent when he was a dancer. Yet the BBC promoted him. It is all quite strange.’

A source close to Anton added: ‘His  comment was dealt with at the time and he wants to move on.’

When contacted, a BBC spokesperson told : ‘We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging with speculation. However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.’

Laila wouldn’t be the first former Strictly contestant to speak out, should she choose to take action.

Earlier this year, Rachel Riley, who took part in 2013, told a podcast that she wants free therapy for all who appear.

‘I’d never danced a step before in my life and it was absolutely terrifying,’ she said on the High Performance podcast.

The Countdown star explained: ‘You go in there on a Sunday to learn a new dance and on the Saturday you’re dancing in front of 10 million people.’

‘Then you get the judges’ comments and it would be like the end of the world. I think I was in the dance-off, which is like a dance for your life to be voted off or stay on.

‘And the next week I was on the floor doing the dance and Pasha [Kovalev], my partner, said, “You’re not there” and said that I go and see Michael [the psychotherapist].’

Rachel added that she developed post-traumatic stress disorder from her time on the show.

Meanwhile, Fern Britton has said she was ‘kicked and shoved’ when competing on Strictly in 2012, where she was paired with Russian pro Artem Chigvintsev.

Speaking in 2015, the TV star said Artem would ‘look at my feet and just kick me or shove me’.

Soon after, Artem responded to her claims, telling the Daily Express: ‘I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am. I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me.’

Footage has also since emerged of former pro Brendan Cole slapping the backside of Fiona Phillips three times in rehearsals during the 2005 series, with clips available on YouTube.

The TV presenter did reveal in 2017 that Brendan ‘was a real bugger’ and described him as someone who ‘wasn’t very nice. He was really naughty.’

Regarding recent allegations, the BBC announced it was taking measures to introduce ‘practical steps’ to support the welfare of contestants.

Dance rehearsals will now be monitored, with a production team member set to be present during all training room rehearsals.

‘Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that,’ the statement from bosses began.

Strictly will also be welcoming two new welfare workers to the show, a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer.

Additionally, it was added that ‘further training’ will be given to the production team and crew.