Strictly’s Len in Brit dancer race row rap
LEN Goodman sparked a race row yesterday when he declared that Strictly should have more British dancers.
The former head judge, 73, fears the flagship show risks losing its Britishness if it keeps picking foreign professional dancers.
He said: “I think all those pros are brilliant but I do like that you’ve got Kevin from Grimsby, and Anton from up the road.
“You don’t want to end up with a load of people from... you know... as good as they are... It’s nice to have some British dancers in there.”
His comments came after Anton Du Beke, 51, the Kent-born dancer, admitted his future is uncertain ahead of this year’s series.
Sad
Goodman also hopes that show bosses replace departing New Zealander Brendan Cole with a Brit.
His remarks drew criticism online, with some branding them racist.
One tweeted: “Pretty sad to see quotes that Len says #strictly will lose its Britishness if it employs more foreign dancers – as he continues to judge in the US.
“Variety is the spice of life!”
Another posted simply: “Racist.”
During the most recent series of the ballroom contest, which was won by Holby City star Joe McFadden, only four of the 12 pro dancers were British.
The rest came from countries such as Australia, Slovenia, Venezuela and Russia.