I'm f****d!, says Strictly race row dancer Anton du Beke

I am asian and personally think Anton did not think before he spoke. I don't think he meant it as an abusive comment. What does scare me is that the majority of people supporting him on here really are racist and clearly uneducated (check your spelling mistakes! ) Good luck Anton.

By tina. Posted October 14 2009 at 6:42 PM.

I for one think Anton Du Beke is a real gent. He is charming and polite and I am sure whatever he said was said in jest. For goodness sake can't we say anything at all anymore. Is Laila doing this for publicity? If she is well done! If she wasn't then why not keep your mouth shut love and sort it out with him. He couldn't possibly offend anyone. Leave Anton alone. He's a good guy and whilst I love Brucie I think Anton would be a fab replacement! So for the love of God leave Anton alone!! I think he is the business! Wish there were more gents out there like him

By Kate Nicholson. Posted October 14 2009 at 6:01 PM.

I,m sory to say but it is not the first time, we hear this race comment on TV.

I can't see any deifferent between white or coloured people, as lond as they are good, it shoudn't be any problem.

PC Don't forgot no one was born a star.

By by Annonym. Posted October 13 2009 at 2:28 PM.

Anton is either very stupid or a racist. We don't know which.

But reading the comments here does tell me that racism is alive and well in the UK. I am ashamed to be British when I read these unpleasant and ignorant replies.

By Gina. Posted October 12 2009 at 5:12 PM.

Carol said
-

*********
.it is no different to using the terms Scouser, Brummy, Geordie, Manc etc.

*********

Sorry its not, the P word for Asians is the same as using N word for black people both words are racist.

The words you use are not racist in any shape or form.



By harry-5. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:13 AM.

********

Can you explain the difference - please???

By Andi. Posted October 12 2009 at 2:28 PM.

Me being half german I get called a racist all the time by people joking. In the multicultural society we live in today I wouldn't consider myself a racist at all. Now I could easily get offended by this as much as someone would be offended being called a P**i. But I don't, I just get over it and have a laugh about it. So is it a racist comment to call me a racist? I wouldn't see it as that eventhough it's evenly as offending. I think we must be very careful with what we consider racism or just bad humor. There is a lot more to actual Racism and I don't imagine Anton ment it to be a racist comment at all and I'm sure he regretted what he said straight away. We have all said something to someone at some stage in our lives which we regretted because it just came out the wrong way. I called my slightly overweight cousin "fatty" one day as a child which I bitterly regretted as soon as Ive seen the look on his face. Unfortunately we can't say anything these days without it being considered racist. For example If I had called him an "irish fatty" would it have been considered racist?

By Andi. Posted October 12 2009 at 2:14 PM.

move on he is a great dancer ,did not mean it to be offencive , yes please let him take bruces place ,he is way to old ,what is that bit of fluff on bruce top lip suppose to be & please bruce leave the danceing to the experts you look pathetic, we want anton as presenter !!!!!

By jennifer. Posted October 12 2009 at 9:25 AM.

Jean said

***********

Many of my friends are out of work due to immigration allowing Indians over on work visas when the skills are not short in supply here.

***********

Not all Indians are “immigrants” most are British citizens who like any other british citizen want a job.

Jean hasn’t mentioned the countless white eastern European immigrants from Poland and former USSR states who come here and take jobs of british citizens.

By harry-5. Posted October 12 2009 at 12:16 AM.

Yes racism is alive in Uk against people who are white. We are not allowed to say or do anything as the PCers say everything we do is wrong.

Many of my friends are out of work due to immigration allowing Indians over on work visas when the skills are not short in supply here.

By jean. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:33 PM.

It's about time the PC brigade got a life and left the poor guy alone, instead of trying to ruin a man's career for one thoughtless comment.I for one will still be voting for them. Go get 'em Anton !

By Margaret. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:23 PM.

Here we go again. Anton has such a sense of humour and I don't think he would hurt a flly.
I would however like to draw the BBC attention to the number of time that British people are insulted, but, of course, that has to be alright. Well it isn't ! Why is it that if British people make a slight slip up, then that is taken out of all proportion, why can't British people make an issue when we are insulted.
Please let us see more of Anton as he is such a laugh and would be a wonderful replacemet for Bruce who has a lot of life in him yet. God Bless Bruce and ANTON

By Susan Beecroft. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:20 PM.

Im sick of all this!!!!!!!!!!!!Us english get called allsorts but we do nothing.We are a breed that is slowly being drowned.If people dont like what we call the (in a joke) then get out of our country

By jackie. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:04 PM.

Im sick of all this!!!!!!!!!!!!Us english get called allsorts but we do nothing.We are a breed that is slowly being drowned.If people dont like what we call the (in a joke) then get out of our country

By jackie. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:00 PM.

A mountain out of a mole hill. There are far more important things to get steamed up about than a remark thrown carelessly about. Such as Brown and his govermental morons destroying all that we hold dear in Britain. Stop throwing your dummies and toys out your prams and grow up the lot of you.
If I got upset everytime people call me a black haired witch I'd stop going out. It's just a word for Heaven's sake sticks and stones and all that jazz.
And anyway what is and isn't considered racist these days. It seems that whatever we do seems to affend someone somewhere, it's a no win situation.

By Lorna. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:50 PM.

If it's good enough for Prince Harry to use the term to his FRIEND.............Lighten up, for goodness sake!!!

By justeye. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:46 PM.

I for one cannot see what all the fuss is about. People all over the world talk about us Brits - as they will, as we come from Britain. Is there a crisis every time this is mentioned ? Of course not! It is said that Laila was upset about his comment - was it because she is of Indian decent???

As for Anton being sidelined - for heavens sake - replace Bruce with him asap as another week of BF's so called jokes will do more damage to the show than anything that Anton has said !

By Jan. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:44 PM.

leave the lad alone he said it as a off the cuff
remark it was not meant as a racist remark.
there is nothing said from the pc brigade when
hook hand and is cronies when they spout their
racist vile on the streets, so leave the lad alone
he as apologised for it and she as excepted the
apology, carry on anton

By graham wilkins. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:12 PM.

Anton de berk, like i said last wk, she's out of you league, so stop grovelling and find ya self a woman who'd fall for ur charms, looks, humour; before you hit 80!

By Bally Boy. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:06 PM.

i'm not asian,but even i know when ever i hear the term used its often not in a joking way and most you probably know what that as well.Calling her a terrorist is a joke aswell?, lets not be stupid he deserves some punishment for been this silly.

By stan. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:47 PM.

leave anton a lone threr is to many pepole out there to moan get a life

By caroline. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:33 PM.

I am a fan of Du bek but even an idot knows what the fuss is about. its a racist derogatory term that causes offence to pakistan and asian people and their children.

Its NOT a short form- or shorten version.

Unfortunately Carol thatcher was sacked for using racist term by BBC so I'd like to see equality and some decent role models on tv- its not okay...

PC bridgade- nothing to do with PC its racist and offensive- full stop. it needs its own green badge- Full stop.

By millie. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:19 PM.

Leave him alone.... I think its a joke how people over react all the bloody time. Shes accepted his apologies and moved on shouldnt everyone else!!!!!!!!!!

By melany ford. Posted October 11 2009 at 5:00 PM.

Leave Anton alone, it was just a joke, people are called things like Scousers, Paddy's, Brummys, Yanks & pommes its just a word. The PC brigade should wind there necks in and stop ruining peoples lives and careers, and then sad people with nothing to do join the bandwagon and start complaining, get a life. Its just a word at the end of the day! Boring Boring, lets name the person who grassed on Anton he's the baddie in the piece for trying to get him in trouble!

By Nicola. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:39 PM.

lighten up everyone, leave the guy alone he is a great entertainer end of.

By pat. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:34 PM.

i think anton is gr8 it was said in a joke for god sake theres worse things happenin in the world all u complainers out there get a life

By diana. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:32 PM.

I'm sure Anton isn't a racist, but as a fully grown man he should know that Paki is a racist term. If anything Anton just has very low emotional intelligence and is very immature as far as his humor goes. I hope he's learned his lesson and now knows not to make ignorant jokes about other people's racial backgrounds. Apart from that I would like for him to contunue his career at BBC

By Ben S. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:13 PM.

Leave the Guy Alone are we looking for another scapegoat to wreck ??
He is truely sorry so let it go !!!!!!! He is a Nice Guy or do we want some raveing loony terrorist to tell us from the taliban what to do with him ?? This is England we won the war so if people don't like it well go back to were they come from.
I Think We need to rip Bobby Davro & Alf Garnet to bits Then shall we !!!!!!!!! Now Thers a thing !!!

By Lee Dodd. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:06 PM.

FOR GOD SAKE, WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

We've been calling the IRISH Mick's, the SCOTTISH Scots and the AUSTRALIANS pomms for year's, not to mention what they AND OTHERS have all been calling the British public.

Tell me why do we always SLAY, one of our own when HE or SHE go a little wrong?

We call for them or in this instance Him to be SACKED or SHOUT He wont get Bruce Forsyths Job, again, GOD FORBID WE SHOULD BE SO LUCKY, and let Him retire.

NO we just Slay them in public well,
YOU HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH ANTON, YOU GO FOR IT YOUNG MAN your better than all those making the remarks. .

Good Luck
Teresa B.

By Teresa Burns. Posted October 11 2009 at 4:00 PM.

I have met Anton, it's a shame this has been blown out of proportion, seems like it's being strung out because the BBC want to get rid of him. Anton is talented, funny and charming and and asset, if Laila has forgiven him then so should everyone else!

By Jo. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:46 PM.

this is been blown out of all proportion as per usual. the PC brigade really must have dull lives.

get over it. move on.

By martin. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:39 PM.

Look anyone lumbered with his real name of Anthony Beak has had it tough.
He said something which he now regrets if the pc brigade are so offended stop watching the Berk sorry Beak

By nana. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:02 PM.

I have been a friend of Anton's for many years and I can honestly say he is NOT a racist. Anton has a loud and sometimes offensive sense of humour which I personally find refreshing these days. I have had my fair share of abuse from all areas because of where I come from, family origins etc and you know what, it's ok as long as it's said in a fun way - get a life PC brigade. I would just like to say we will lose a great talent if this carries on, can we just move on now. Sarahx

By sarah Maxwell. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:57 PM.

Aton and Lilia to win, Aton is brill and Lilia is fantastic good luck.

By Jonathan Hinkins. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:35 PM.

If Lalia can put all this behind her why can`t everyone move on.Its not life and death get over it .Anton is a brilliant dancer and Lalia is lucky to have him for a teacher.I`m so pleased they were top of the leader board this week,and if the BBC quietly get rid of him shame on them, he would be a really good replacement for Bruce.

By Barbara Chamberlain. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:12 PM.

I agree the bloke was wrong in what he said BECAUSE he does the job he does... but after a week and two apologies surely it must be best to just get on with the show and IF people DON'T like it then DON'T vote for him...
That is the only way any of you lot CAN do anything for about it. But I am sure because of how popular he is on the bbc and with the majority of the public its just not going to make any difference and rightly so !!! So everyone stop your Moaning and get a life ...

By BigPhil. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:58 PM.

This uproar does nothing for race relations. To he vast majority in this country skin colour matters not at all, but a too thin skin is not easy to live with, whatever the colour.

By Janet Russell. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:43 PM.

This episode is pathetic.Typical UK and BBC. Is it because he is a true British Gentleman who trains in Ties and sweaters and not a Tattoo in sight!! If someone has to go; how about Brucie ? Pathetic and well past his sell buy date. Terry Wogan is your answer.

By michael . Posted October 11 2009 at 12:35 PM.

From reading this, it does not sound like his language has improved either since this incident. Strictly is a family show and I expect better role models than this for my kids.

By Suzian. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:37 PM.

The PC brigade are too quick to latch on to anything they consider to be out of line,yet on the grand scale of things, it's not so serious. Get over it and move on.

By aljay. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:12 PM.

Isn't it about time 'his dance partner..Lilia ' came forward and explained, that this was said in jest....But, as usual the politically correct brigade as been involved, and blown things out of proportion...

By geedale. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:17 PM.

Once again a load of fuss over nothing.it was just a joke and it has been blown out of all proportion. I made a joke about murder the other week, but I am not a murderer. All these people who keep on playing the race card should get a life, they are saddos

By Jim. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:19 PM.

He deserved more than 500 complaints. He obviously along with a lot of people don't know history. You can't compare banter between Europeans who live in countries that they 'took over' with people from countries that were controlled by force ie colonialism in the same way. History matters and shouldn't be something we forget because it's convenient. He is an offensive man and should not be on TV. It is no different than a German being offensive to a jewish person...just because it was a long time ago doesn't make it ok.

By Gweni. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:04 PM.

enough is enough. it is old news now,is anyone going to do anything about the duke of edinburgh, he is always putting his foot in it?. i do not think so. i am sick of this country and i am ENGLISH. CHIN UP ANTON.

By cat woman. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:09 PM.

his career is finished and he should have quit the show,i really dont like him.

By fay. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:10 PM.

500 people seem to have forgotten that we have had banter between the English, Scottish, Welsh & Northern Irish for centuries. OH then theres the banter between, the Australians, the New Zealanders, Americans... AND then there's the banter between the Cockney's and Scousers!
99 times out of 100 its done in jest, we get as good as we give and no one bats an eyelid. If people cant tell the difference between jest and an attack then they shouldn't be allowed near a TV, Radio or access to a newsagent! As the beeb has done, MOVE ON

By Rich. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:49 AM.

"BBC did a dis-service as an employer not to do something publicly even if it was a fine or a warning"

As am employer BBC cannot do something publicly! All disciplinary action etc is confidential and they can be sued if this becomes public by them telling people! How would you feel if everytime your employer spoke to you or disciplined you it was all over the newspaper? you would take them to the cleaner!!!

He apologised for a bad joke end of story!

By Ashleigh. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:49 AM.

Anton, should be treated like every other celebritiy who have made racist comments. Sacked, Ron Atkinson, Carol Thatcher, Jade Goody to name a few why should he be any different. I will not watch the show until the BBC make a stand.

By Paul. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:31 AM.

People say that word and other derogatory racist words to offend not 'in jest'. There is no excuse for a 43 year old man who is a television personality to use words like that and i think shame on the BBC for not taking more drastic action. Of course Lalia is going to show her support and accept his apology, she will be out of a dance partner and her time on the show will end. She's keeping the peace for the sake of her career which just proves people will say, do or accept anything thrown at them just for 5 mins of fame! Shameful

By Jen. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:20 AM.

we are called brits as it is short for british....is anyone offended by that? most people would say no so what is the big deal!!!!

By lulu. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:07 AM.

Yawn....this is so old it's not funny...

Oh and Bridget - as an Irish person, I so agree with you on that....

By Maria SR. Posted October 11 2009 at 11:16 AM.

May i say i take offence at being labeled " British "
when i am in fact English . I feel i am an outcast in my own country .

By Iris . Posted October 11 2009 at 11:06 AM.

500 Complaints out of how many Viewers 12,000,000 not much of a %age

By Bill. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:34 AM.

As an Irish person I have had HUNDREDS of people in the UK call me a Paddy on occassion. It is always said in jest and I don't make an issue of it so why are people so sensitive to the fact that the word Anton used could be an insult to Asians when, clearly, so many of the population don't care that Paddy might be insulting to Irish people.

Anton said it in an off the cuff way - not in a way that had racist undertones. A mere 30 years ago the likes of the Two Ronnies and Dick Enery were using the word regularly and also blacking up to play people of Asian origin. These shows are still repeated - with the P word left intact - and regarded as comedy classics. People need to get a life and get over it. And anyone here who is vilifying Anton who has ever used the word Paddy should take a look in the mirror as it is exactly the same thing!

By Bridget Foley. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:29 AM.

I dont like the guy i never have, but some people are so quick to jump in with complaints about anything, being in the public eye though he should watch what he says especially in this society when you have to watch everything you say for fear of offending someone, the only thing i think that is unfair though is that other people on other shows have been sacked for similar comments,
i dont like him on Hole in the wall either they should bring back Dale!

By Dirtybird. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:11 AM.

Carol said
-

*********
.it is no different to using the terms Scouser, Brummy, Geordie, Manc etc.

*********

Sorry its not, the P word for Asians is the same as using N word for black people both words are racist.

The words you use are not racist in any shape or form.

By harry-5. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:13 AM.

I met Anton and Erin on their recent tour in Birmingham. Anton was extremely charming and the relationship between him and Erin was beautiful and extremely jovial. I believe that Anton felt that his comment would be funny and certainly did not intend any malice. Please don't judge him on this one comment alone. Laila has forgiven him and this is testiment to Anton's true nature. Let's leave the guy alone now and let him do what he does so naturally - dance and entertain!!

By Lisa. Posted October 11 2009 at 10:05 AM.

Laila was gracious enough to accept his apology she hhas said they just want to move on so let them.
500 complaints? well what if we all wrote and said "If she's ok with it so be it"
Its always the ones that shout loud enough that gets heard so lets all shout louder!!!!

By Mrs J. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:51 AM.

Leave Anton alone now.......how much more grovelling can this funny charming man do. We all make comments in the heat of the moment. My little boy has red hair and I have to endure comments about 'ginger' etc but hey sticks and stones!!! Laila looked very happy to be in Anton's company last night...she's obviously over it.

Get rid of the person who grassed up Anton....what a stirrer....are they jealous?

Good luck Anton you did a great job last night xx

By Karen . Posted October 11 2009 at 9:24 AM.

Leave him alone, it was a mistake and he apologised. If he hadn't it would be a different matter. Get over it people!

By harry'smum. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:23 AM.

Bye Anton. Don't let the door smack your backside on the way out, you loser.

By WHUFC. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:22 AM.

sam the comment may have been "private to a friend" who says she is a friend she is a work colleague as she only dances with him and as it was a rehearsal for a bbc tv show don't the bbc anti racism laws apply as they would for any employee or those under contract in relation to harrassment in the workplace

its a poor choice of words he has used but it doesn't excuse his behaviour and it is racist as the word is a racist slur that we seem to be hearing a lot more lateley.

By wayne. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:13 AM.

This guy is obviously unsuitable as a strictly host. Somebody prone to gaffes and wooden jokes cannot host a show like that. The next time he is going to start abusing the queen live on air before realising what he is saying.

By supo Orims. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:14 AM.

for goodness sake leave him alone it wasnt meant as a racist remark and i am sure worse things are happening in the world in the name of racism.

By adrienne. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:10 AM.

This is ridiculous he has aploogised and his apology has been accepted......it is no different to using the terms Scouser, Brummy, Geordie, Manc etc.

By Carol. Posted October 11 2009 at 9:07 AM.

I've voted with my feet an cancelled my series pass for Strictly and It Takes Two after watching him on Friday. I shan't be watching the show again. Never missed an episode of either programme but think the BBC did a dis-service as an employer not to do something publicly even if it was a fine or a warning. Comment was ignorant and not in common parlance of 43 years olds I know. I won't be missed as a viewer but I feel so much better!

By Annabelle. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:55 AM.

Isnt it time people focused on something else. For god sake he wasnt being racist it was an off cuff the remark. Leave him alone and let him get on with it.

By Rachel. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:56 AM.

This is old news - get off his back - what about DANNI MINNOGUE's comments lst night on X FACTOR - disgusting!!!!!

By Maria. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:43 AM.

What a storm in a tea cup. This is what you get when a loonie liberal bunch of PC do-gooders is allowed to control everything.

By Mikko. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:45 AM.

He should be left alone now, he made a comment to a "friend" in a private conversation, what has got nothing to do with anyone else and how many thousands of people say that word to their mates in conversation each day, 500 complaints from people who have nothing better to do, how many of the 500 heard what was said, if they didnt they have nothing to complain about, he should be left alone now.

By sam. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:37 AM.

Whilst I think the comment was stupid and thoughtless I don't think it was meant to be malicious, it happened a couple of weeks ago and Lailla seems more than happy to want to forget about it and move on and whilst I agree this sort of comment affects lots of people it was made to her so if she is willing to forgive why can't others and I certainly don't think Anton should lose his job over this
It's about time this was put to bed there are far more important things going on in the world and real racist's out there that need to be dealt with.

By Stephanie. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:40 AM.

Is this still going on? I would have thought there were bigger problems in the world to worry about.

Du Beke should have engaged his brain before he spoke but he didn't. It's done now - Laila isn't still fretting like a baby so why is everyone else?

If we were all taken to task for something we said privately, none of us would have a job to go to.
People speak out of turn, fact of life, but the whole 'he's a racist' nonsense is being bandied about too readily.

The hissy fit brigade needs to move on now.

By Karen . Posted October 11 2009 at 8:10 AM.

If someone had said that he was pasty white would there be all this fuss?

He made an error of judgement off camera and has made a public apology.

Move on now please.

By B. Posted October 11 2009 at 8:06 AM.

500 complaints to the BBC but the subject of the complaint was never broadcast.

By Ray. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:46 AM.

Oh leave the poor guy alone!

He had a 'vocabulary misfunction' in private and Leila has not only forgiven him, but repeatedly stressed Aton is a good man, it was just a foolish moment, and she's proud to be his friend and they've moved on.

The witch-hunt to ruin the man's life over one small, private, word mishap is horrendous.

You'd think that no-one has every said anything stupid, then kicked themselves, before!

By Natalie Sayer. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:33 AM.

If Anton is accurate in his fears, then chalk up another triumph for the PC brigade. How can such a small but highly vocal minority wield such un-elected power?
Until the nation adopts common sense there will continue to be these witch hunts.

By markroman. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:32 AM.

500 complaints out of how many million who watch the show? Carry on Anton, good luck, theres a lot more than 500 who still love you.

By CAROL. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:21 AM.

The young lady contestant in question here seems to have accepted the urbane Mr. Du Beke's apology, forgiven him and moved on. I suggest all the feebleminded people who continue to bleat on and on about this "storm-in-a-teacup" do the same. How does it go ? Get a life.

By Charlie. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:17 AM.

once again the media and the do gooders are jumping on the band wagon one little four lettered word spoke in private and has been excepted by the person it was said to so why all the fuss all the people who wants anton sacked has never said anything bad in there life i don't think so my only worry about this is wich so called friend let it slip in the first place

By derek. Posted October 11 2009 at 7:09 AM.

give the lad a break even the words of brucie i think. he only said what he thought we have too many do gooders in this country which is not ours anymore blown out of proportion yet again

By eds. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:57 AM.

We all say things without thinking and its not like it was done underhand behind her back. If he was a racist he wouldn't have said what he did to her face. That would have amounted to bullying! Please just leave it and him alone, she has moved forward, and if she was affected so deeply she wouldn't be dancing so well! All this is doing, is fuelling the pc brigade and those with a chip on their shoulder, to tar the british as being racist.

By Annie. Posted October 11 2009 at 6:30 AM.

Dianad, I'm a bit confused by what you are saying. Don't you get it that Lalia is the victim here. Why should she clear up the mess that Anton has made.
Remember, no one forced him to use such language. Anton is not a silly man, he now has to take responsibility for his actions. If that means his career is over so be it. Because in the real working world anyone using such language, would be dismissed from their job. To be honest Dianad, your comment is the only comment I have seen on the web that blames Lalia. That should tell you something.

By Fern. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:53 AM.

everyone who is saying it should be swept under the carpet and forgotten must be white. racism is alive and kicking in britain and as a person of colour i can tell you remarks like this are very very hurtful and disgusting. he is a grown man and should know by now that that kind of joke is unacceptable. to want to be in the public eye he has no business making those kind of remarks. hes disgusting.

By miss. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:14 AM.

How stupid is this bloke? Anyone with just half-a-brain cell knows that, in this day and age, they have to mind their Ps and Qs. His recent on-air apology came across as insincere and motivated by self-interest, i.e. getting his neck off the block. It's us, the license payers, that are forking out this guy's wages and I think it's reasonable to expect a certain standard of behaviour from him. Obviously, he seems to think otherwise - if, indeed, he thinks at all.

By Steve S. Posted October 11 2009 at 3:04 AM.

Lalia could have knocked this on the head straight away instead of over reacting like she did. I think she didn't think her actions through and would have done things differently had she known what a fuss was going to be made of what was an off the cuff comment never intended to be racist. Why didn't she say something to cool things down when the statement got into the media instead of waiting so long. Anton seems to be a lovely, funny man and doesn't deserve all this stupid attention.

By Dianad. Posted October 11 2009 at 2:07 AM.

the problem with racial issues is that its not only Laila to accept the apology but every human being who just doestnt want racism to be part of society jokes.they will never be convinced by any excuses or apologies and the best advise when you are eyeing such kind of a job like Anton,just don't go near those jokes. even if you are not racist people believe more what comes out your mouth than what has'nt.

By pmore dee. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:53 AM.

Anton is the only person who cold take over from Bruce Forsythe and make sure the show continues. Bruce is at the end of his time now and the BBC should not be so narrow minded as to not give the job to Anton. Let put this stupid story to bet and let the man get on with his life, which is to entertain us, which he does very well.

By Louie. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:32 AM.

Christ give let him be - give the guy a break!!!!!!!

By nicole. Posted October 11 2009 at 1:32 AM.

I agree with Anton du Beke, his career is finished and he should have quit the show

By Dai Twice. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:52 AM.

I think Antons comment was in poor taste but can see it was said without thinking and not meant in a racist way. Unfortunately it came to the medias attention and has been blown out of proportion considering he has apologised weeks ago and that apology was accepted by the person he said it to, if she has accepted it that should be the end of it

By melanie sadler. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:38 AM.

What a drama queen she is.. All she had to do was give him a slap and say how dare you.. he then would apologise end of.
he was just being a macho man who thought its funny and clever to take the p**
it had no need to go any further than the two of them

They seemed close on the show last night and came away with the top score

By susanah. Posted October 11 2009 at 12:15 AM.

Overblown by the media, the politically correct lefties, and the usual types who use the race card for everything.
However, just because your dad is Hungarian and your mum is Spanish does not mean that you cannot possibly be racist. Thats neither here nor there.

By Ed. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:59 PM.

Give the man a break. He made a mistake and openly said sorry, he regrets it which is more than others have.
I hope the BBC keep him on our screens as he is a good entertainer.
Lets move on from this now. Anton and Lalia have and so should we.

By jon. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:59 PM.

Unlike the BNP who say they are not racists (when every one knows they really are racists), Anton was honest enough to admit he made mistake and was man enough to say sorry on tv.

I have respect for him. He's suffered enough, leave the poor guy alone and let him keep his career.

By harry-5. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:50 PM.

This is getting boring,how can 500 people complain about something that happened weeks ago,it wasn't said on camera. Give the guy a break.

By gran. Posted October 10 2009 at 11:30 PM.