RUTH Langsford has slapped down on the Anton Du Beke ‘probe’ after the Strictly backlash.
The long-time star of the BBC dancing show has come under fire in over his ‘1970s-style behaviour.’
Concerns were previously raised over Anton Du Beke, 58, after he previously called his former celebrity Laila Rouass a “P***”.
Fans on social media dug up Anton‘s previous comment made in 2009 , which was made in response to Laila having a spray tan.
Amid the various controversies, loyal Strictly Come Dancing viewers wondered why he wasn’t sacked at the time.
However, one of his most prominent former partners has firmly come out in defence of the star.
Loose Woman presenter Ruth Langsford previously competed on the hit show back in 2017, where she was partnered up Anton.
Together, they lasted eight weeks on the contest as she was the seventh star name to be eliminated in the dance-off.
It’s clear The former This Morning anchor only has fond memories of the show as she took to her instagram story today.
She posted a beaming picture of the pair looking cosy together in a warm embrace, as they posed in front of his dressing room.
She captioned the picture: “Happy Birthday to the loveliest man and best partner EVER!
“Sending you a big birthday squeeze @mrantondubeke.”
At the time of the incident in 2009, Laila stormed out and Anton later apologised.
He was later made a judge in 2021 on a reported £200,000-a-year contract after BBC bosses stood by him.
But we previously reported how actress Laila has since been in touch with complainants about her time on the show.
This comes after Amanda Abbington complained about Giovanni’s treatment during rehearsals.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
She pulled out of the competition before she was later diagnosed with PTSD.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, she admitted: “I found Giovanni’s behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn’t sit back and let him do that to other people.
“I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show.
“I know what happened in that room, it’s on video and I have no problem with anyone seeing that. It’s a duty of care that is needed.
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
“Rehearsal rooms should be a safe space, there is a duty of care and kindness, and that courtesy wasn’t extended to me on this job.”
Former Love Island star Zara McDermott also released a statement about her own partner, Graziano Di Prima.
He was later sacked for gross misconduct after she made complaints to the publicly funded corporation.
She recalled an incident during training – which she called “distressing” – after it was alleged that he kicked her during a backstage incident.
He was also accused of telling her: “My dead grandma could dance better than you.”
The BBC has been forced to take drastic measures behind the scenes in an effort to save the show.
They have announced two new dedicated welfare producer roles for both the celebrities and the professional dancers.
Chaperones will also be put in place in the rehearsal rooms to monitor all the training.
