Holby City star Laila Rouass has defended her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke following “false accusations, online abuse and harassment aimed at me and my family”.
The actress, 53, also known for drama Footballers’ Wives and science fiction series Primeval, was on the seventh series of the dancing show in 2009 with Du Beke, before he became a judge.
The series has become embroiled in controversy following allegations from several former contestants. The BBC director general Tim Davie apologised earlier in the week to celebrities who have had an experience that “hasn’t been wholly positive”.
READ MORE: Strictly considering intimacy coaches as BBC scramble to save show from scandal
READ MORE: Join the Daily Star Soaps WhatsApp for all the latest spoilers and exclusives
Rouass wrote on Instagram on Sunday: “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.
(Image: BBC)
“I had no intention of making a statement but how 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 was in safe hands. The show demands much of your time and energy.
(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
“Anton and I rehearsed seven days a week for approx 6/7 hours a day. This was on my insistence and Anton made himself available at these times.”
The actress then further added: “At no point did I feel pressured by Anton or the producers to add more time to rehearsals.” During her stint, Du Beke made a public apology.
He used a four-letter slur for people of Pakistani origin, after Rouass had a spray tan, and later said the remark was “in jest”. Du Beke also denied he was racist.
They departed in the quarter-final and Rouass called it “a dream” to dance with Du Beke in 2009. Rouass is next set to appear on the BBC soap EastEnders as the guest character Ayesha.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
