Anton Du Beke has apologised "unreservedly" for any offence he caused by using a racist slur, the BBC reports. On Sunday, the News of the World reported that Strictly Come Dancing star Anton had called his current celebrity dance partner Laila Rouass a "paki" two weeks ago after the Footballers' Wives actress had a spray tan. "I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language," Du Beke explained. "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.
"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 apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused."
Rouass, who sources say walked away from the situation, has said she has accepted his apology. "It was a situation which happened that we have moved on from and I accept his apology," she admitted. "I'm really enjoying the show and dancing with Anton and hope we can go as far as possible in the competition."
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