Holby City star Laila Rouass has defended her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke following “false accusations, online abuse and harassment aimed at me and my family”.

The actress, 53, also known for drama Footballers’ Wives and science fiction series Primeval, was on the seventh series of the dancing show in 2009 with Du Beke, before he became a judge.

The series has become embroiled in controversy following allegations from several former contestants. The BBC director general Tim Davie apologised earlier in the week to celebrities who have had an experience that “hasn’t been wholly positive”.

Rouass wrote on Instagram on Sunday: “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.

“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 was in safe hands. The show demands much of your time and energy.

“Anton and I rehearsed seven days a week for approx 6/7 hours a day. This was on my insistence and Anton made himself available at these times.”

The actress then further added: “At no point did I feel pressured by Anton or the producers to add more time to rehearsals.” During her stint, Du Beke made a public apology.

He used a four-letter slur for people of Pakistani origin, after Rouass had a spray tan, and later said the remark was “in jest”. Du Beke also denied he was racist.

They departed in the quarter-final and Rouass called it “a dream” to dance with Du Beke in 2009. Rouass is next set to appear on the BBC soap EastEnders as the guest character Ayesha.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times