Strictly Come Dancing has returned to our screens and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably buzzing.
Glamorous and glitzy outfits are back! Hilarious quips are back! And the judges with all of their opinions – good and bad – are back!
But with the return of everybody’s favourite dancing competition potentially comes more controversial moments.
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The BBC One dancing competition has had its fair share of controversial moments.
From the infamous ‘Strictly Curse’ to racist comments, judges getting axed and celebs being booted off – here are some of the most controversial Strictly moments in history.
Anton Du Beke’s racist comment
(Image: ITV)
Professional and beloved Strictly dancer Anton was in the middle of a racism scandal back in 2009.
The Hole In The Wall presenter used a racial slur to describe his partner, Laila Rouass, while off-air and off-camera.
Anton later insisted that he had only used the term “p**i” backstage as a form of “banter”.
He released a statement at the time which read: “I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language.
“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.”
The ‘Strictly Curse’
(Image: ITV)
Every year viewers sit perched on the edges of their seats, keeping watch of the celebs with their dance partners to see if they have chemistry.
When dancing together it’s important that both parties feel a connection, but sometimes the ‘Strictly Curse’ can occur.
Over the course of Strictly’s history, there have been a slew stars that have broken up with their partners during or after appearing on the show – with some even shacking up with their pro dancer.
Some memorable ‘Strictly Curse’ incidents are: Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole; Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff; Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace; and Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev.
Seann Walsh and Katya Jones
(Image: BBC)
Speaking of the infamous ‘Strictly Curse’ – how can we not mention Seann Walsh and Katya Jones?
In 2018 the duo were paired up for the glitzy show but were caught on camera kissing after a night out.
One thing? Both were in relationships at the time, with Seann’s then-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries releasing a scathing statement.
She said that he had “gas-lit” her and also revealed that his steamy smooch with Katya happened on her birthday.
At the time Katya Jones was married to fellow professional Neil Jones – but the pair announced they had separated in August 2019.
Arlene Phillips axed from show
(Image: ITV)
Arlene was a much-loved judge on the Strictly panel for five years.
But after half a decade the stern but lovely judged was suddenly dropped from the show.
In 2009 fans were completely taken aback when she was replaced by Alesha Dixon.
The decision was not taken well by fans, with many even accusing the BBC of “age discrimination”.
And this wasn’t dropped, because Harriet Harman even addressed the issue in the House of Commons.
But ageism claims have since been quashed after Shirley Ballas was appointed head judge in 2017.
The now-62 year-old ballroom beauty brings glamour and class to our screens every Saturday night.
John Sergeant dividing fans
(Image: ITV)
John was the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent from 1992 to 2000 and the Political Editor of ITN from 2000 until 2002, and he traded politics for dancing in 2008.
Not the best dancer in the world – everyone knew it, including him – but he tried his best and put a smile on everyone’s face… at first.
But John was kept in the competition week after week, after week, after week.
When he started to realise that better dancers than him were being booted off (and fans were getting annoyed because of it), John decided to do the gentlemanly thing and step down.
At the time he said: “The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns Friday September 23 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
