Strictly Come Dancing's bad PR week has just gotten worse, with one of the show's most popular judges facing investigation over a comment he made while dancing on the show.

Strictly is one of Britain's most popular entertainment shows, with versions airing in over 60 countries worldwide. The show has faced a growing number of claims from former contestants that the family-friendly, fun-loving atmosphere enjoyed on screen by millions of viewers is not reflected in the behaviour of the professional dancers towards their partners backstage.

Now, The Sun reports that one of Strictly’s most popular faces, Anton Du Beke – who was a dancer on the show since its inception in 2004, before becoming a judge in 2021 – is facing renewed criticism over a comment he made while on the show in 2009. When confronted about his celebrity partner Laila Rouass’ spray tan, he called her “ap***” (a derogatory term for someone of South Asian descent) and Rouass walked out. Du Beke later apologised and remained on the show.

The Sun reports that Rouass has received overwhelming support from fans on social media who have traced the comment back to 2009, and that he is “reportedly considering legal action.”