ALEX: I don’t believe Strictly is racist
Star defends show
ALEXANDRA Burke has dismissed claims that Strictly Come Dancing is racist.
The show has been hit by accusations after the early exits of Chizzy Akudolu and Aston Merrygold were described as “really harsh”.
Singer Alex, who is one of the favourites for the glitterball trophy, said: “I don’t think that’s true at all.
“Those kinds of accusations against amazing shows like this I think are wrong.
“For a black person who is in the industry, for me I’ve had a wonderful nine years of being in this industry and hoping to achieve more with hard work and determination.
“I don’t think it comes down to colour, I don’t see colour when I see music or TV shows.
“I think that’s so important not to see that because at the end of the day we might be all different colours but we’re all the same, we’re all human.”
Accusations first arose in last year’s series when three of the four non-white contestants, DJ Melvin Odoom, EastEnders actress Tameka Empson and TV presenter Naga Munchetty, were voted out by the public in early rounds.
But the competition was ultimately won by black BBC presenter Ore Oduba.
Burke was speaking yesterday on the Victoria Derbyshire Show show alongside partner Gorka Marquez as the duo prepare to take on the quickstep at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom this weekend.
They will dance the routine to The Gold Diggers’ Song (We’re In The Money) from 42nd Street after a triumphant Argentine tango last Saturday saw them pick up 38 points to sit joint top of the leaderboard.
They’ll be up against former soap star Gemma Atkinson, Joe McFadden, Davood Ghadami, Debbie McGee, Mollie King, Johnnie Peacock and Susan Calman.