Strictly star in race row

Following a racist remark to his dance partner, Anton Du Beke...

10:59 05 October 2009

Following a racist remark, Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has apologised "unreservedly".

The ballroom dancer denied being racist after an exchange "in jest" with Laila Rouass during training for the show, in which he called his partner a "Paki".

The News of the World reported that he had used the term a fortnight ago after the 'Footballers' Wives' actress had a spray tan before filming began.

Rouass has accepted his apology and said the couple had "moved on", not wanting to discuss it further.

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, walked away from the situation, the News of the World stated, before accepting her dance partner'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 BBC spokesman has said the organisation did not condone offensive language in the workplace.

On Saturday night's show, 'Crimewatch' presenter and former policeman Rav Wilding was the third celebrity to be voted off the show, alongside partner Aliona Vilani.