Ruth Langsford has admitted she cried while training with Anton Du Beke when they were partnered together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.

Following the fallout on the show regarding Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, Anton has found himself involved in the scandal surrounding the series, after his former dance partner, Laila Rouass, has consulted with her lawyers about a comment made in 2009 by the dancer, despite accepting Anton’s apology at the time.

Ruth, who made her return to Loose Women today following her split with Eamonn Holmes, was seen hugging the performer, real name Tony Beke, on his birthday on the weekend, and now she’s praised him again – but admitted her experience on the show was “terrifying”.

Ruth Lansgford has spoken up for Anton Du Beke on amid the Strictly Come Dancing furore ( Image:Ruth Langsford Instagram)

They were partnered on the show in 2017 ( Image:BBC/Guy Levy)
Addressing the furore surrounding Strictly and her former dance partner, she said: “If he [Anton] raised an eyebrow I’d cry and he’d make me a cup of tea.” Conceding taking part in the show is “terrifying”, Ruth continued: “It is a terrifying experience but I knew that going into it. I’m not a trained dancer. The trouble is the spotlight and the focus is on some people and there are many others who had a fantastic experience and did get on with their partners.”

It is understood Laila’s complaint to lawyers regarding Anton focuses on a remark made by the star in 2009, in which he commented that she looked like “a P*ki” after a spray tan. Anton later apologised for the inappropriate jibe and Laila issued a statement saying that she accepted his apology.

Anton said at the time: “I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language. During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used between the two of us.

There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react. I apologise unreservedly for any offence my actions might have caused.”

The dad-of-two was the third star to be named in the Strictly maelstrom. The beloved BBC show has been plagued with controversy in recent weeks, following Giovanni and Graziano being axed following misconduct claims against Amanda Abbington and Zara McDermott.

In a heartbreaking admission, Graziano confessed he did kick Love Island star, Zara, but denies spitting at her. Giovanni, meanwhile, denies the ‘bullying’ claims made against him and has vowed to clear his name.

Elsewhere, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara has been called out by paralympian Will Bayley, who was paired with the Cuban-American on series 17 of the show.

Following his claims that he sustained a serious, life-altering injury while jumping during a performance on the long-running show with Janette, a spokesperson for the mum-of-one said Janette: “has never received any complaints” regarding her training methods.

They added: “Janette had a great time dancing with Will and one of her favourite moments on the show was doing their contemporary couples choice. Her celebrity partner’s safety and enjoyment was always the priority throughout her time on Strictly. Janette has never received any complaints and has maintained friendships with all her partners, including Will.”