Strictly Come Dancing faces more controversy over Anton Du Beke’s past remark

Anton Du Beke on the Strictly live shows
Anton Du Beke

Strictly Come Dancing is continuing to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

One of the show’s most popular judges is now said to be under investigation for a remark he made while working as a dancer on the show.

Anton Du Beke pictured on Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke. Credit: BBC/Guy Levy

The Sun reports that Anton Du Beke, who danced on Strictly from its start in 2004 and became a judge in 2021, is in hot water.

In 2009, Anton made a derogatory remark about his celebrity partner Laila Rouass’s spray tan.

Laila walked off, but Anton later apologised and stayed on the show.

Fans on social media have rallied around Laila, and she is reportedly considering legal action.

A source close to Anton said: “His comment was dealt with at the time and he wants to move on.”

This controversy follows the axing of Graziano after claims about his training methods with Zara McDermott.

Giovanni also exited the show earlier this year after allegations from his celeb partner Amanda Abbington.

Zara recently opened up about her Strictly experience.

In response to the scandal, the BBC has introduced new measures to protect this year’s contestants.

A production team member will now be present in rehearsal rooms at all times, and there will be more welfare support.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will air this autumn on BBC One.