Laila Rouass has broken her silence on the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
After a historic row with her former dance partner Anton Du Beke resurfaced in the wake of the ‘abuse’ allegations.
The actress, 53, appeared on the BBC show in 2009 with Anton, 58, but her time in the competition was marred after the dancer left her ‘in tears’.
When he said she ‘looked like a P***’ during training.
It was also revealed at the time that Anton had also asked Laila – who is of Indian and Moroccan descent – if she was a terrorist in a joke about her north African heritage.
At the time of the incident, the now-judge apologised and admitted he felt ‘stupid’ and ’embarrassed’ for his comments made towards the Holby City star.
When she got a spray tan and the pair made amends a few weeks later.
The historic row resurfaced last week amid the ongoing barrage of allegations against the show and its professional dancers.
But Laila has now come out in defence of Anton, saying she had forgiven him for his past comments, and insisting he had never acted ‘physically, emotionally, sexually or verbally’ abusive to her at any point.
She declared that he should not ‘lose his livelihood, reputation and credibility’ and urged people to focus on the ‘incredibly concerning’ allegations from other contestants, and not allow her experience to be ‘merged’ with theirs.
Taking to her Instagram on Sunday, Laila explained she hadn’t want to speak out, but felt she had to after she and her family were hit by online abuse, as well as feeling it would be ‘morally reprehensible’ to allow speculation about Anton to continue.
She 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.’
Referencing the ‘racism’ row, 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.’
Laila then insisted: ‘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.’
She added that she wanted those who have spoken out about alleged abuse on the show to be the focus, and warned about ‘witch-hunts have consequences that are far reaching and long lasting.’
She explained: ‘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.’
Laila added that she did think it was important to speak out, but that if people took the opportunity to change, they should not be punished forever.
She said: ‘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 [sic] 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.’
Concluding her statement, she praised the bravery of those contestants who had come forward and called on the show to make ‘effective and satisfactory changes’.
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’.
Anton’s comments towards Laila in rehearsals caused major controversy at the time and resurfaced in the wake of the ongoing misconduct probe.
The pair appeared on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two after the incident came to light in 2009, where Laila said: ‘We are getting through this together.
‘It’s been a tough week for both of us… But we just want to move on. This happened weeks ago and we’ve been getting on very well.’
Anton added: ‘I would just like to reiterate my apology from last weekend to Laila, to everybody on the show and to everybody that watches the show because I feel embarrassed, I feel stupid as well.’
He continued: ‘It was a stupid thing to do and a stupid thing to say and now people are talking about that when they should be talking about the show and what a great show it is.
‘As I say I am mortified about it, completely, and Laila has been quite remarkably wonderful.’
The late Strictly host, Bruce Forsyth, was also forced to backtrack in a formal BBC statement after he said the nation should get a ‘sense of humour’ about the controversy.
He had told radio station TalkSport: ‘We used to have a sense of humour about this. You go back 25, 30, 40 years and there has always been a bit of humour about the whole thing.
‘At one time the Americans used to call us ‘limeys’ which doesn’t sound very nice, but we used to laugh about it. Everybody has a nickname.’
But hours later a statement from Bruce was issued by the BBC, which read: ‘What Anton said to Laila was wrong and he has apologised unreservedly for this.
‘Nor do I in any way excuse or condone the use of such language. To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable.
‘However, there is a major difference between this and racist comments which are malicious in intent and, whilst I accept that we live in a world of extraordinary political correctness, we should keep things in perspective.’
The statement added ‘these are my personal views and not necessarily those of the BBC’.
Strictly is currently facing its biggest crisis in its 20 years since it returned to the BBC in its current form as a wave of complaints from past celebrity contestants have been made in recent months over claims of ‘abuse’ and ‘bullying’.
Professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show following claims he hit and spat at his dancing partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals. He later admitted and apologised to Zara in a statement.
Weeks before, Giovanni Pernice , 33, was suspended while a BBC probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celeb partners.
While his former partner Laura Whitmore confirmed on Saturday that she has spoken to the BBC about Giovanni’s ‘inappropriate’ behaviour on the show.
The TV presenter claimed she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago, and said she has discussed with six former Strictly stars about their time on the show and took their information to the BBC.
James Jordan has also poured fuel on the flames of the Strictly bullying row after Steve Backshall complained that James’ wife Ola ‘bullied’ him while on the programme in 2014.
The former Strictly pro took to social media to make a jibe at the seasoned television explorer after it emerged that he lodged a complaint with the BBC over professional dancer Ola’s ‘rude and impatient manner’.
Responding to a Strictly fan’s mocking disbelief that the hardened explorer – who has dived with Great White sharks and wrestled poisonous snakes in his career – could be ‘reduced to tears’ by the 5ft 4in dancer, James joked: ‘Please help me!!’
MailOnline has revealed the show’s hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman could begin the new series with an apology for alleged abusive behaviour suffered by celebs in a desperate attempt to save the show.
BBC bosses are said to be desperate to draw ‘an immediate line’ under the scandal when it begins in September and sources have said it ‘can’t start quick enough’.
They said the presenters may be asked to address it at the start of the first show and could even say sorry after complaints from Amanda, Zara and Steve.
The insider told MailOnline: ‘This year’s Strictly is the 20th anniversary and it will be a celebration of the show and its history.
‘The BBC will want to draw an immediate line under what has happened. The show can’t start soon enough.’
It comes amid claims a host of Strictly celeb contestants have set up a ‘secret support group’ where they have shared their own horror stories and corroborated one another’s claims.
But Tess and Claudia may not address the sudden departures of Giovanni and Graziano.
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Meghan Markle wears clothing from smaller design houses that’s ‘not possible to alter’ while being ‘too controversial’ for bigger fashion brands, experts claim
Meghan Markle wears clothing from smaller brands that is ‘not possible to alter’ and is ‘too controversial’ for bigger fashion houses, experts have claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has often opted for floor-length garments over the past six years – most recently wearing a pair of £360 trousers to a business summit in the Hamptons over the weekend.
For the occasion, the mother-of-two – who is preparing to launch her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard – paired the beige linen trousers with a matching single-breasted waistcoat, which is also by the Australian brand St Agni.
At one point, Meghan posed for photos with makeup mogul Bobbi Brown and fashion designer Misha Nonoo – and fans noticed the Duchess’ feet were totally obscured by her trousers.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity stylist Rochelle White claimed Meghan’s trousers were potentially a sample pair from St Agni and therefore not possible to alter to her 5ft 6in frame – either because they have to be returned or because they’ve been given to the stylist rather than directly to Meghan herself to keep.
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Pictured: The Duchess of Sussex (with Misha Nonoo and Bobbi Brown) opted for a £700 beige linen co-ord set by St Agni for the Hamptons business summit
The expert said: ‘I know that wide leg long trousers are in fashion and trend piece right now. They have been dominating instagram and runways, so I think she likes the style.
‘They are great at cinching the waist but adding leg and depth to an outfit. They can also be flattering and comfortable and not so restrictive.
‘But the Duchess could also be working with either a designer, fashion house, or stylist where it might not be possible to have alterations done so that they are more fitting to her leg length. So, as a result they are longer.’
What’s more, fashion expert Giorgina Ramazzotti has also claimed that while Meghan has worn Dior and Givenchy in the past, she could be seen as too ‘controversial’ a figure to get free samples from some major fashion houses.
Giorgina said: ‘As a celebrity and actress before joining the royals, Meghan would have been very used to a world in which everything is given on loan for photoshoots, an appearance or borrowed from wardrobe as part of her character in Suits.
‘Celebrities rarely have to part with cold hard cash in exchange for fashion items. Often items are given as gifts, given on loan for special events, or the star is given a heavy discount to shop the brand, and whilst Meghan wasn’t a well-known actress before meeting Prince Harry, she would still have been given freebies – albeit from smaller brands.
‘When she joined the royals, she quickly found out that loans and gifts from designers were forbidden, and the star was no doubt given an allowance to dress – something I’m sure she was glad to throw out of the window when she left the royal fold.
‘It can be noted that Meghan rarely wears big designer brands such as the French fashion houses Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Saint Laurent etc. These brands are very careful with their image and getting loans from them for lesser or controversial stars (as Meghan, in some circles, now is) is like getting blood from a stone.’
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Pictured: Meghan Markle wore another pair of floor-length trousers for the Invictus Games in Germany in September 2023
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Meghan Markle wore floor-length trousers to visit Edinburgh Castle during her first official joint visit to Scotland with Prince Harry in February 2018
In June 2023, French fashion house Dior denied that they had signed a ‘megabucks’ deal with the Duchess, who was rumoured to become the face of the brand.
It had been speculated any deal could be worth as much as £15million to the couple.
What’s more, the stylist argued that the Duchess favours floor-length trousers and skirts as she is trying to channel an ‘old money’ aesthetic.
Giorgina explained: ‘Meghan tends to favour minimalist, understated luxury; simple separates, neutral colours, and classic tailoring – think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy meets 21st century style – and her latest look from St. Agni encompasses all this to a tee.’
The expert says Meghan could be ‘carving out her own version of “quiet luxury”, which has proven to be a popular trend over the past few years and means favouring unbranded designer clothing in neutral colour palettes.
Giorgina continued: ‘Larger than life amounts of cloth has long been a design of wealth – the epitome of ‘old money style’ so prevalent with Gen Z and Millennials.
‘Where a maxi dress on the high street usually clings and rarely reaches below the calf, in luxury stores their summer dresses use much more fabric to create volume and length – often billowing and reaching to the floor. Where lower price points scrimp on fabric, luxury brands know that their clients want to look put together with no corners cut.’
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Celebrity stylist Rochelle thinks Meghan wears longer outfits that cover her feet to look taller than she is. Above: Meghan in September 2022, Germany
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The Duchess of Sussex is pictured in a long ballgown at the Variety Power of Women Los Angeles in November 2023
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Meghan Markle wears a long ruffled dress as she visits Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, in May 2024
But while Meghan’s trouser and skirt lengths may be ‘scoffed at’ by some, Giorgina says her style is always ‘chic and on point’.
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Meghan Markle may wear garments that drag along the floor because she wants to appear taller and elongate her slim frame, says style expert
Following Meghan and Harry’s ‘tour’ of Nigeria in May, Rochelle argued that the Duchess frequently wears floor-length garments to give her the illusion of height.
She said: ‘Long dresses and trousers, depending on body type, can help to elongate the body and shape.
‘They can make you look taller and depending on the styles can help to define areas of the body you either want to highlight or cover up.’
When the royal couple spent a week in Frankfurt last summer to attend the Invictus Games, Meghan wore an all-brown ensemble on a day that saw them both watching events and attending a NATO meeting.
This was made up of a chocolate-coloured blouse and creased taupe trousers that trailed along the floor.
She stood next to Prince Harry – who is a whopping 6ft 2inches in height – and although she barely came up to his shoulder, Rochelle says she appears taller because of her outfit choice.
She said: ‘Looking at Meghan, I feel that these styles make her look taller and highlight her silhouette. I feel it makes her look taller.
‘I feel that she knows her body and the things or items that work for her best and is tapping into that with her looks.’
In 2018, during Meghan’s trip to Edinburgh with Harry, she proudly donned a pair of lengthy, flared black trousers which were too long for her despite wearing a pair of heels.
As the Duchess was busy greeting people who braved the unpredictable Scottish weather to see the former royals, the slacks were pulled along the wet concrete, gathering dirt on the bottom of them.
Kym Marsh Stuns the Audience with Excessively Intimate Public Displays with Her New Boyfriend, Who Is the Same Age as Her Son
Kym Marsh packed on the PDA with new toyboy boyfriend Samuel Thomas as they arrived at Manchester train station on Sunday.
The former Coronation Street star, 48, was seen out and about with the actor, 29, for the first time since announcing their romance.
They were spotted kissing as they arrived at the station ahead of their 101 Dalmatians shows at The Palace Theatre.
Kym cut a summery figure in a black floral minidress which boasted a plunging V-neckline and short sleeves.
She kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers and shielded from the sun behind a pair of sunglasses.
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Meanwhile Samuel donned a blue checked shirt with jeans and trainers as he pulled a large suitcase and carried a backpack.
The pair seemed in high spirits as they stepped out together for the first time as they explored the city.
Kym is currently playing Cruella de Vil in the UK & Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical, alongside her boyfriend Samuel, who stars as Tom Dearly.
It comes days after Kym was forced to defend herself for revealing she is dating Samuel who is the same age as her son.
At 29, Samuel – who she refers to as ‘the most amazing man ever’ – is the same age as her eldest child, David Cunliffe.
Kym’s friends are reportedly worried that her new romance with a younger man could all end in heartache if it ‘fizzles out’.
The soap star has the support of her pals who are apparently ‘happy’ she has found someone, but they are said to have concerns that she could end up hurt.
The actress is a parent to son David, 29, and daughter Emilie, 27, from a former relationship with builder David Cunliffe.
The couple, who met in a Lancashire pub, separated in 1999, shortly before Kym found fame as a contestant on TV talent show Popstars, where she would become a member of short-lived pop group Hear’Say.
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Two years later Kym was making an appearance on Top Of The Pops when she crossed paths with actor Jack Ryder, a household name at the time thanks to his role as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders.
They married at St. Albans parish church, Hertford, in August 2002 and subsequently sold the pictures to OK! magazine for a reported £300,000.
But seven years later it was all over, with Ryder filing for divorce on the grounds of adultery following her apparent fling with second-husband-in-waiting Jamie Lomas
Friends initially feared Kym had rushed into her relationship with Lomas, who she started dating just four months after separating from Ryder.
The pair met on a train as they made their way to the 2007 TV Quick Awards, but casual chat soon turned into romance with the pair going public in 2008 – a year before her divorce.
They had been together for less than two months when Kym fell pregnant with their first child, but tragedy struck when their son Archie Jay died moments after being born 18-weeks premature on February 11.
The couple had happier news when they welcomed daughter Polly in March 2011.
They exchanged vows in September 2012 but were divorced by 2014, with Kym reportedly stunned by Lomas’ decision to break it off.
She remarried for a third time to Scott Ratcliff back in 2021.
The pair split 13 months following their wedding when Kym filed for divorce citing unreasonable behaviour.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
