Anton du Beke in hot water

The BBC has received dozens of complaints about Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke's use of the word "Paki".

...taken from the Telegraph online the article continues...



Anti-racism campaigners have called for Du Beke to be sacked from the BBC One show. Others have questioned why the BBC is standing by Du Beke when Carol Thatcher was sacked earlier this year for describing a black tennis player as a "golliwog".

Du Beke made the remark backstage to Laila Rouass, his dance partner, after she had a spray tan. He told her: "Oh my God, you look like a Paki." The comment was overheard by several members of the Strictly team, including fellow professional dancer Brendan Cole.

After the incident became public at the weekend, Du Beke issued an apology.

The BBC has received 63 complaints and hundreds of fans have debated the issue on the corporation's messageboards. Some said Du Beke was making a harmless joke and claimed that he was the victim of political correctness.

However, others said his behaviour was unacceptable. One viewer wrote: "Refraining from using such language is nothing to do with being politically correct. It's to do with basic human decency and treating people of Asian descent with respect.

"I'm not comfortable with Anton's continued presence in the show, especially when Carol Thatcher was sacked for making a similiarly controversial remark."

A spokesman for Hope Not Hate, the anti-racism campaign, said: "If calling someone a Paki is not racist behaviour then what is? Quite simply the programme has to ask itself: is it going to condone racism on its show, or is it going to deal with it quickly and decisively?

"The BBC took a clear line on the Carol Thatcher golliwog comment. If anything, this comment is even more offensive."

In his apology, 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.”

The BBC is standing by Du Beke, a rising star at the corporation and the man tipped to replace Bruce Forsyth as Strictly host. A spokesman said the case differed from the Thatcher case because she did not make a "full and frank" apology.

The result

Based on the dance-off I'd put Lynda through.

Rav really let himself down in that dance-off, with a worse performance than actually during the competition.

Hat off to Lynda though, i'd written you off but you upped your game in the dance-off and definitely deserve to come back next week.

So, another week, another celebrity going home. Rav looks distraught and I can understand why, there's just no other feeling that can match dance competition when you really enjoy it.

Do you agree with the result, or even the final two?

Moment of truth and dance-off

As predicted the audience have saved Joe Calzaghe.

Will Jo Wood also be saved?

Phil Tufnell will have a hard job next week as I imagine he can't train until he recovers from his knee surgery.

Whether she's through or not I think they'll leave Jo until the final three anyway, just to up the suspense.

...or not...lol

Again as predicted the audience have saved both the Jo(e)s. Is my earlier prediction going to prove correct?

...No!

So Lynda and Rav are in the final two, I think Rav will be saved again but the judges have surprised me in the past.

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Slower Flamenco hand movement at the start, but still superfluous due to the speed as it has no impact.

I do think this is a better performance than earlier, but I don't think the lipstick nose look is good for Darren!

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Rav looks like a defeated man and certainly showing a lack of confidence/drive at the start there.

Little bit shaky and still huge gaps between them, Rav is neglecting to close his feet on the chasses.

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Based on the dance-off I'd have to actually give it to Lynda.

Salsa showdance & Andy Williams

Will have to look closely and decipher a few new moves to add to the repertoire.

Although I wasn't actually that impressed with the performance, I don't tend to criticise professionals but that did look a little amateur at times and I think slower music would've allowed for a better performance all round.

Andy Williams

A true legend, though I must admit I didn't realise he was still alive (oops!). Performing a wonderful Waltz song which we recently added to the Waltz playlist (on the request of a student).

If anyone else has any suggestions for good Waltzes, or any other dances, please let me know and i'll try and add them to the playlists.

Leaderboard

Leaderboard is as follows:

1. 35 points - Ricky & Natalie
2. 32 points - Ali & Brian
3. 31 points - Zoe & James
4. 31 points - Jade & Ian
5. 30 points - Laila & Anton
6. 29 points - Ricky & Erin
7. 28 points - Natalie & Vincent
8. 25 points - Lynda & Darren
9. 24 points - Phil & Katya
10. 23 points - Chris & Ola
11. 21 points - Craig & Flavia
12. 20 points - Rav & Aliona
13. 20 points - Jo & Brendan
14. 19 points - Joe & Kristina

Given that Jo and Joe have both been saved by the audience from being in the bottom two it's fair to say that the same might happen this week.

This could mean that Rav and Craig both end up in the bottom two again, and I can't call it yet.

What's everyone elses viewpoint?

Ricky Groves & Erin Boag - Paso Doble

Facial hair seems to be a theme this week, let's see if Ricky can master the posture and lose the hips - save them for the other Latin dances!

He's certainly come out on the floor with the right attitude, not too sure about the scream though, is he in pain?

The trouble with wearing a bolero is that if you don't hold your frame correctly it will make your shoulders look hunched. I normally recommend my wedding grooms don't wear their jacket during the first dance for this very reason.

A lot of passion, albeit slightly poor footwork at times.

Based on the atmosphere he creates I'd give it a 7

Phil Tufnell & Katya Virshilas - Quickstep

So Phil has a knee problem and is going in for surgery tomorrow, let's see how it affects this quick and high-impact dance.

I wonder if Katya had to adjust the routine after Phil's knee diagnosis?

Nice start though needs to relax the shoulders and they lose connection just as they're starting the scatter chasses.

A few mistakes but all round a nice Quickstep, but 6-7 for me.

Jo Wood & Brendan Cole - Paso

I had Jo down as the one to exit last week, let's see if she can repay all those people who voted for her.

Well definitely a better performance than last week, though needs to keep her head up, and her shoulders are a little off line at times.

Shame about the end being mucked up.

Think this will be 5's, but definitely an improvement.

Laila Rouass & Anton du Beke - Quickstep

Anton is the only actual Ballroom professional in the males so this should be good.

With Anton's charm, and Laila's looks this could be the first time he makes it to the final, but let's get through the first couple of months eh Anton!

A couple of mistakes there, and for me the dance is lacking drive and energy. Laila needs to have more tension in her upper body.

Think this should be solid 7's though.

Joe Calzaghe & Kristina Rihanoff - Paso Doble

The pre-series favourite sent the bookies laughing all the way to the bank in the first week. Paso however could be more his dance.

Interesting belt there Joe!

In Paso the man stands up straight with a slight curve outwards in the spine, Joe appears to be a little hunched over throughout.

Will definitely lose marks for lifting her, even if it wasn't intended as a lift.

Certainly a better performance than anything he brought to the floor in the first week, but lacked good posture.

Think it will be 5's, but may obtain a 6...