Laila Rouass breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing time with Anton Du Beke after row

Laila Rouass has spoken out following reports that she sought legal advice over her time on Strictly with Anton Du Beke. It was reported that Laila's legal consultation centred around a comment made by Anton in 2009, where he remarked that she looked like "a P*ki" after a spray tan.

Anton later apologised for the inappropriate comment and Laila publicly accepted his apology.

However, Laila has now taken to Instagram to issue a statement in light of these reports. She acknowledged that her time on the show was marred by "scarred by a handful of incidents", including Anton using "unacceptable derogatory words".

Despite this, she stated that she does not believe Anton is racist or Islamophobic.

She further explained her decision to speak out, stating that "it would be morally reprehensible if [she] allowed speculation about Anton to continue". She expressed concern that he "could lose his livelihood, reputation and credibility for an incident that happened 15 years ago", reports the Mirror.

Laila also emphasised that she "did not wish to detract from those who have bravely spoken out about the alleged abuse they experienced on the show". She revealed that she had been in contact with contestants who had spoken out, describing their allegations as "incredibly concerning" and said that they "far eclipsed [her] own".

The actress stated: "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 producers to add more time to rehearsals.

"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 Islamophobic. If I believed he was, I would have refused to dance with him.

"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 hard working.

"I am making this statement because I do not want to take the focus away from those who have bravely spoken about the alleged abuse they experienced on the show. I do not want my experience to be merged in with extremely serious and distrubing 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 again since. Witch-hunts have consequences that are far reaching and long lasting."

"I cannot in good faith allow this guesswork to continue. 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 to accept their misjudgement and change their behaviour mustn't be condemned 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 intent to. I do however welcome conversations with the BBC about their duty of care."

"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."

The BBC have declined to comment.