Anton Du Beke’s Ex-Strictly Partner All Smiles Amid BBC Misconduct Probe
Laila Rouass has been seen for the first time since reportedly raising concerns about Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke. The actress, and wife of snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, appeared cheerful on Tuesday (July 23) as she was photographed walking with friends in Essex. Despite the ongoing scandal surrounding complaints about the show’s professionals, Rouass seemed in high spirits.
Anton Du Beke, 58, has recently been pulled into the BBC’s ongoing complaints saga due to past misconduct. Reports suggest that actress Laila Rouass has involved lawyer Carter Ruck after being paired with Du Beke on the 2009 series of the show.
The alleged complaint centers around a comment Du Beke made in 2009, where he said she looked like “a P*ki” following a spray tan session. Although Du Beke has apologized for the inappropriate remark, and Rouass publicly accepted his apology, the controversy has resurfaced. The Strictly judge stated at the time, “I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language, reported Daily Mail.
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.” He continued, “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 apologize unreservedly for any offense my actions might have caused.”
Rouass, who has Indian and Moroccan heritage, responded by saying, “It was a situation which happened that we have moved on from and I accept his apology.” The actress looked stylish in cropped jeans, sandals, designer sunglasses, and a black blazer as she enjoyed a sunny walk with her dogs.
The BBC is currently investigating alleged complaints against former star Giovanni Pernice, who has denied claims of ‘bullying’ or ‘abusive’ behavior towards his former show partner Amanda Abbington. Additionally, Graziano Di Prima, another professional who has left the program, has apologized after it was revealed he kicked Zara McDermott during a performance last year. The Love Island star described the incidents as “incredibly distressing” to watch back.
Di Prima’s representative admitted to the mistake, stating, “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right,” and confirmed that Di Prima had apologized for the incident. “And he knows that,” Mr. Borkowski told BBC News. As the BBC continues its investigation, the spotlight remains on the conduct of its Strictly Come Dancing professionals, with Laila Rouass’s recent outing serving as a reminder of the ongoing controversies.