Laila Rouass defends Anton Du Beke as she breaks silence on Strictly scandal
A historic row between the pair has resurfaced
Just hours after announcing she will joining the cast of EastEnders, actress Laila Rouass has broken her silence on the ongoing saga surrounding Strictly Come Dancing, defending her former partner Anton Du Beke in the process.
After a historic row between the pair surrounding racism has resurfaced online, 53-year-old Laila has defended Anton, admitting she's forgiven him for his past comments and made it clear he was never 'physically, emotionally, sexually or verbally' abusive towards her during her time on the show in 2009.
Taking to social media, Laila wrote: 'There has been much speculation over the last couple of weeks about alleged complaints I have made to the BBC regarding my time at Strictly.
'I had no intention of making a statement but now feel it's necessary as over the last couple of weeks there have been false accusations, online abuse and harassment aimed at me and my family.
'Strictly is a show I have always loved so when I was offered the opportunity to compete, I was ecstatic. When I was paired with Anton, I knew I was in safe hands.
'The show demands much of your time and energy. Anton and I rehearsed 7 days a week for approx 6/7 hours a day. This was on my insistence and Anton made himself available at these times. At no point did I feel pressured by Anton or the producers to add more time to rehearsals.'
She continued: 'Unfortunately, my time on the show was scarred by a handful of incidents, some of which were discussed in the press at the time.
'I would like to address those incidents; Yes, Anton used derogatory words and it was unacceptable. Yes, Anton publicly apologised to me. Above all this, and most importantly, I do not believe Anton is racist or Islamaphobic. If I believed he was, I would have refused to dance with him.
'I wish to make clear, apart from the situation mentioned above, which was dealt with, at absolutely no point was I physically, emotionally, sexually or verbally abused by Anton.
'At no point did Anton use manipulation or cruelty towards me during rehearsals. At no point did I feel vulnerable in Anton's presence. Anton was generous, patient and hardworking.'
Going on to reveal her reasons for speaking out, Laila added: 'I am making this statement as I do not want to take the focus away from those who have bravely spoken out about the alleged abuse they experienced on the show.
'I do not want my experience to be merged in with extremely serious and disturbing allegations from other contestants. The focus should remain with them and their stories, because their stories matter. Their stories must be addressed and investigated.
'Also, it would be morally reprehensible if I allowed speculation about Anton to continue. It would be unfair for Anton to lose his livelihood, his reputation and his credibility because of an incident that happened 15 years ago and to the best of my knowledge has not happened since.
'Witch-hunts have consequences that are far reaching and long lasting. I cannot in good faith along this guesswork to continue.'
Confirming she's not made any official complaints to the BBC about Anton and doesn't intend to do so, Laila did admit she'd welcome conversations with BBC bosses about their duty of care towards contestants.
She added: 'I believe where there is opportunity to talk things through, you must. I believe in having honest and sometimes uncomfortable conversations (provided you feel safe to do so) in order to learn and grow. I believe those willing who accept their misjudgement and change their behaviour mustn't be condemn forever for their past mistakes.
'However, the experiences I have personally heard, from other contestants, are incredibly concerning and far eclipse my own.
'Needless to say, I have not made an official complaint to the BBC regarding Anton and I do not intend to. I do however welcome conversations with the BBC about their duty of care.'
She finished: 'I have and will always stand with champions against abuse. I send them love and strength and hope their stories are heard and much is learnt. Their courage in speaking out is changing landscapes and inspiring others. Silence does not have to be an option.
'Abuse of any kind should be taken very seriously so in light of that, I urge you to focus on these significant allegations so that the show makes effective and satisfactory changes. Laila x'. (sic)
Check out which professional dancers will take part in the 2024 series:
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Angela Rippon.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Jody Cundy in 2023.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos was paired with Angela Scanlon.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he will be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series.
Laila's statement arrives after both Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott have spoken about their experiences on the show, whilst former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has now alleged she received 'inappropriate behaviour' in the training room back in 2016.
Despite the series still scheduled to go ahead later in the year, BBC bosses have now revised their welfare procedures.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.
Now read:
Laura Whitmore says she received 'inappropriate behaviour' during her time on Strictly
BBC boss releases apology over Strictly complaints
Strictly professionals return to work as rehearsals begin for new series