BBC bosses are said to have stepped up security around Anton Du Beke after his recent race row.

After this week’s attack on Leona Lewis, Strictly insiders are reportedly worried that another member of the public will lash out at Anton, who called his dance partner a Paki earlier this month.

And an insider told The Sun: “The BBC is worried about things getting out of hand with the race row.

“There are worries that someone may try and have a go, in light of what happened to Leona this week.”

The source claimed that bosses will strategically place plain clothes guards in the audience, during tonight’s show.

He said: “They are keen to keep things under control so their normal security team is separating into two.

“Existing security will now be placed in undercover clothes in case anything kicks off this week.

“They didn’t realise how angry the public were about it at first, and want to take precautions in case there is any sort of mob atmosphere.”