Ruth Langsford has come to the defence of her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke, describing her experience on the show as 'terrifying' but praising his support. The Loose Women presenter, who was partnered with Anton in 2017, admitted she would cry during training and he would make her a cup of tea.
Speaking amid the ongoing scandal surrounding the BBC show, which has seen Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima axed following misconduct allegations, Langsford said: 'If he raised an eyebrow I’d cry and he’d make me a cup of tea. It is a terrifying experience but I knew that going into it. I'm not a trained dancer. The trouble is the spotlight and the focus is on some people and there are many others who had a fantastic experience and did get on with their partners.'
Anton has faced renewed scrutiny after his former dance partner Laila Rouass consulted lawyers about a racially offensive remark he made in 2009, when he commented that she looked like 'a P*ki' after a spray tan. Anton apologised at the time, saying: 'I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language. I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused.' Laila accepted his apology.
The controversy extends beyond Anton, with Graziano Di Prima admitting he kicked Love Island star Zara McDermott during training, though he denies spitting at her. Giovanni Pernice denies bullying claims made by Amanda Abbington and has vowed to clear his name. Meanwhile, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has been accused by paralympian Will Bayley of causing a serious injury during a performance, but a spokesperson said she 'has never received any complaints' regarding her training methods.
