Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood has come out in defence of professional dancer Anton Du Beke.

Du Beke has been attacked in the media over allegedly racist comments made to Laila Rouass during dance rehearsals.

Craig, told New magazine: “I’ve known Anton for years and years and years, and he’s not a racist. I’ve never heard him say anything like that before and it’s so unlike him.

“He’s such a nice bloke and I think this is a case of something being taken out of context and snowballing into a massive thing.”

He added: “Anton has apologised and Laila accepted it, so I think we all just need to move on. They need to just get on with the dancing.”

“I think that because they’ve had so many talks, it’s going to make their relationship stronger and make them more fiery in their dance.

“I think they will work together and pull together and be serious contenders for the winning prize.”