Totally agree with a sensible and balanced post.

Imo that should be the end of that. I am not a big fan of Anton, but I really don't think he would set out to upset Lalia or offend anyone intentionallly.

This is typical of the man. I don't think he is a racist he was doing his trying to be a comedian routine, which is not funny, never has been, never will be. He should stick to ballroom dancing. If he did use the P word he will never get the compere the show which I for one am extremely grateful.

By the way, who went last night? I'm on holiday in Malta, suffering a hangover and can't it anywhere!

Notwithstanding the usual pointless and ill-informed speculation, only Anton knows whether or not he used the term with racist intent. The reported quote and context is not conclusive and it's reasonable to assume it's likely that he would deny racism either way. What should be clear to everyone, however, is that a lot of people claim to find this term offensive (with some justification but also, invariably it should be acknowledged, with plenty of hypocrisy and inconsistency)...so anyone choosing to use it can't complain if they come under suspicion.

The fact remains that the hysteria about racism and, in general, the hierarchy of prejudice is idiotic and irksome and, I suspect, counter-productive. Nobody should pretend that there aren't plenty of homophobic and sexist and heightist and ageist and classist and hairist or whateverist 'slurs' in everyday use which are widely accepted, often laughed at and news of which certainly wouldn't be splashed all over the red-tops whoever used them.

I was the one who first raised the idea that Laila ought to be given the option to dance with someone else. I didn't suggest Matthew, although at this stage he is the only viable option. But my reason for saying it was not because I want Matthew to come back, but because I thought Laila ought to have that choice. Otherwise it comes down to- leave the show, which she may not want to do, or accept Anton's apology in order to keep dancing. Even if she doesn't feel strongly enough about it to leave, the BBC (IMO) have a duty to give her a third option which is to say you don't have to stand and listen to someone use racist language towards you in order to be part of our show. If you're not happy, we'll give you a different partner.

Also bearing in mind this is the second publicised instance of Anton making an ill-advised/ignorant/racist comment (interpret as you wish). Given that the terrorist comment fell completely flat, I would expect him to have the sense to steer clear of any racial comments completely.


It's a word that has offensive connotations. I hate to quote Wikipedia, but this is a pretty good explanation:
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/P***

It's just not a word he should be flinging about.

I also note when I copied and pasted that explanation, that DS automatically replaced the word itself with ****. So even DS T&Cs are saying it's not an acceptable word to use in conversation.

I'm pretty sure I'd be facing disciplinary action if I used the word at work- not sure why the BBC should be different.

Anton is often guilty of not engaging brain before opening mouth. Not just the gaffs which have been reported in the press.

He thinks he is funny, I could quote a whole load of comments which he has made 'off the cuff" without thinking first and sadly he does regard as witty.

So many people have said that he is a total waste of space on Hole in the Wall and he is certainly not funny.

The BBC had reached the bottom of the barrel when they decided he would make a good presenter, he has no class whatsoever.

He should stick to the dancing and keep his mouth shut.

Anton, like my late father, has no real sense of humour, so they just makes tasteless jokes and witty remarks, which only they think are funny, and they are so full of themselves that they don't seem to know that sometimes it's better just to shut up and let people think you are stupid, than to open your mouth and prove that you are.

What a thoroughly nasty post! I'm amazd that someone can have such bile in them about a personality who - let's face it - is the most popular of all the SCD dancers and whose fan base is enormous. I saw his and Erin's show twice this year and it was fantastic but equally amazing was the response to them both and him especially. The fact that you might not like him shouldn't be reason for you to write such dreadful stuff. As for Hole in the Wall the reaction to Anton's presenting it has been very good and it's more popular than it was with Dale Winton. I find it incredible that a entertainment programme such as SCD with the very talented people taking part can give rise to this sort of abuse.

Is he popular?

How did you come to that conclusion ? Just wondering ?

Well 26 sold-out shows in one month this year would tend to suggest he is! And when you think that Darren and Lilia's London show sold badly and that there's already a huge new tour for Anton and Erin for 2010....

It's no use arguing logically on here. To a vociferous minority Anton can't dance, teach, choreograph or present TV programmes. Despite the fact that's what he does for a living. Rather more widely and successfully than any of the other pros.

You obviously havent read this thread through if you think I am thoroughly nasty and full of bile. Nor is it abusive, it is a discussion thread.

I dont dislike Anton. He is a good dancer, but he does make thoughtless comments which are seriously unfunny.

I know Anton, I have known him for quite a few years now.
I have seen him do shows and cabarets. He and Erin together with Ian and Camilla did a charity ball for macmillan some years ago now which raised 37k for the charity.
All the time he has been blessed with the ability to open his mouth without thinking first.

However I would like to challenge you about Anton being the most popular of the SCD professionals I think Matt would be a challenge for that title and Ian.

Britney Spears sells out concert tours. By your logic that must mean that she's a better singer and dancer than Christina Aguilera, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Clarkson, and every good singer or performer out there. It must mean Britney is the second best female singer in the WORLD - second only to the vocal powerhouse that is... drumroll... MADONNA!

Popularity doesn't affirm talent. Popularity isn't a measure of talent. It's a measure of how well people like you.

he bloodey ugly so he has to resort to racist slurs

I am more saddened and disappointed that Anton, who always comes across as a gent who treats his partners with respect and can teach without reducing them to tears, should EVER use such a word.

Since Martina Hingus went out week 1, I think Laila should get HER partner for the rest of the series and Anton should "sit this one out".

as the p word. I dont like wag word either and i tihnk it bad whe the word W.A. G is used.


Anton should have kwon better and having been called the P word how else are you supposed to take it?: It recognised as derogatary.

prince harry used the p word as well and was remprimanded.

Did it really sell the badly? From what I heard from people who saw the show, the theatre was mostly full. I saw it on a Sunday afternoon and it was virtually full.

i was actually born in africa BTW

Anton is like marmite; love him or hate him.

I partly agree with you. [although all the women singers you mention except Clarkson sell out concert tours so your false analogy is a bit duff].

ElizabethJo suggests Anton isn't as popular as other pros. I suggest his ability to pull in people to pay a commercial rate to watch him dance when others cannot suggests she is wrong. Whether or not popularity is a measure of talent, the fact is, he and Erin have enough pulling power (and business acumen) to tour on their own and not settle for making their all none SCD income from the SDC tour and dance exhibitions in shopping centres and second rate hotels. They seem to be the only couple (with the partial exception of Darren and Lilia) to do be able to do so.

Unlike the other pros, he has had the drive and ability to diversify into other tv work (however chronic) presumably because he realises that ElizabethJo's advice to stick to dancing will mean he has no career when he is too old to do so. The fact he has achieved some diversification suggests he is right to do so. Of course, it doesn't mean he is a better dancer than others - although the level of denigration of his abilities on these boards by some posters reveals more about their ignorance and partiality than his shortcomings.

I really don't see how the BBC can brush this under the carpet. He insulted Laila with racist language. She may have accepted his apology but the BBC have said they don't condone racist language in the workplace. This was in the workplace. And it's not the first time he's insulted her as he called her a terrorist on their first meeting.

I've followed Anton from the first series but I'm under no illusion that he can he a complete idiot at times, and this is certainly one of those times. I wouldn't dream of defending him as he has shown himself to be incredibly stupid. This incident happened two weeks ago so it's odd that it's only been brought to light now. It does explain a lot about Anton and Laila's relationship though as it was obvious they weren't quite getting on.

I have made a complaint to the BBC. He should be fired. Anyone who feels using that word is ok is a racist piece of crap like Anton is.

Does this mean that Anton is now the bad boy of ballroom?

Some people are stating that it is being overly PC to take offence to this -but, as Katie pointed out in an excellent and informed post, the word is a derogatory racist slur.
Laila and Anton dont aeem to be gelling as a couple -this may well be the reason.

I assume if one of the other dancers had said this that they would be asked to sit this series out -however, the BBC will have difficulty with Anton because of Hole in the Wall.
Although im not Anti Anton as such, there uis a danger in beleiving your own hype -and he is falling into that category. Laila can hardly get a word in during interviews!

Im interested to see how this pans out.