Let's say the BBC decide to sack Anton because of what he said (no judgement, just a hypothetical case!) what would happen next?

Would Matt C be brought back to be Laila's pro partner?
Would they bring in another male pro?
Would Laila be out of the show?

I think on DWTS US a pro couldn't continue at some point but I don't follow that series so don't know what the US solution was and if something similar would be implemented here.

I would think an eliminated Pro would step in which at this stage would be Matthew. If no male pros had been eliminated I have no idea what they would do.....I would imagine the celeb would have to withdraw too and be offered another go in another series.

That would be awful. I'm glad Matt C is available IF the situation arises! It probably won't though.

It wouldn't be fair to Laila to penalise her for Anton's stupidity by withdrawing her from the show - especially as she's the one he made the comments to! Therefore, if Anton were to be axed, I'd imagine the BBC would either bring back Matt C or else bring in another male pro.

However, I rather think that if Laila's happy to continue dancing with Anton, the BBC won't do any more. They may not bring him back next series but why mess up this series if they don't need to?

Matt C as he is teh only male under contract sitting at home drinking tea.

In DWTS one pro dancer had a surgery, appendix removed IIRC, and they brought in another dancer during the time she was recovering. I think it would be logical if Matt stepped in instead of Anton.

It does make me wonder if we are not seeing the best of Lailla with Anton because of all this and I am not sure if I would be happy about voting for them now because a vote for her is a vote for him and that doesnt sit right with me at the moment. This is speaking as someone who would have loved to see Anton lift the trophy but dont think I want him to now. I think I would prefer to see Anton voluntarirly withdraw and let Matthew take over.....it may be unsettling for Lailla but she isnt a bad dancer and It wouldnt take long to get back into the swing.

On the one hand, it's understandable that something like this could put you off Anton. On the other hand, doesn't not voting for them mean that Laila is being penalised because Anton supposedly made racist comments to her?

If she's happy to continue dancing with Anton instead of having asked for another partner - and I'm sure we'd have heard if she had! - then why not follow her lead? Of course, it's easy for me to say that when I can't vote anyway because I don't live in mainland UK.

Totally agree with you on this one, I mean after all this time he finally gets someone who has great potential and messes it up like this. Credit to Laila because I don't think that I could handle working so closely with someone who said things like that to me.

Perhaps with a different partner she can do much better, even if they do get rid of Anton and put anyone else in his place I just hope that they just don't dwell on the change for too long. It's still early days in the comp so maybe she get used to working with a different partner??

I agree with you. However I imagine Anton will continue with Lailla and most people will say that if Lailla isn't bothered by this business, we shouldn't be. Unfortunately I am a bit bothered though of course I wasn't there when he made the remarks and have no idea if non PC banter was the norm between them.

I have gone off Anton because of this but would really like to know who leaked this to the press and why. I hate grasses.

Given all the "I've heard/read that...." postings which have fogged the truth, what's really needed is an early appearance by the pair of them on ITT (Mon or Tue), with a clear statement from Laila.
She needs to say either that she has been totally okay with his personal apology for two weeks and they're enjoying training, or that she spoke the word first (which has been suggested) and shares the blame.

Anton apologising to the public won't be enough.

The only other course is for Anton to fall on his sword and Matt Cutler to quickstep in.

Nothing is going to happen~!!! Another incident blown up by the press. Anton boobooed - he apologised! End of story.

JJ

He made a big booboo and I think he should publically apologise, just so this can all be put to bed.

Surely they have a lesser-known pro on standby? If only for the first couple of weeks in case a pro has an accident just before their first dance .

I think Anton should go now, Matt C should step in to dance with Laila then we can all move on.

Even if Laila says that she accepts the apology i'd be surprised if she feels completely comfortable having that level of contact with the man. The onus should not be on her to decide what happens next, that decision should be taken out of her hands.

Get rid of him now so we can all enjoy the rest of the series without all this.

He already has!

JJ

You are assuming Laila feels a sense of outrage for which there is no evidence whatsoever!!

She is a big girl, and I'm sure she (and her people) are fully capable of making any protest that the ACTUAL event may require.

Remember, WE only know "reports".

JJ

That's basically saying that her opinion doesn't count. I'd say she's the only one who has a right to make that decision and if she's happy to continue dancing with Anton, then shouldn't we respect that?

Is Laila the one who will decide Anton's future on the BBC ? or in any form of broadcasting for that matter . It is surely up to the BBC to decide whether he stays, or goes and is replaced .
If she has any say in the matter surely it is to decide if she wants to continue in the show .

If it is of any consequence , I think they make a great partnership, but Laila is obviously extremely nervous on the night .

Isn't it astonishing how quickly the " much loved " Anton , whose personal following of fans were responsible , apparently ,for keeping in some of his less than talented partners , is now pilloried and voting for Laila is voting for the now "much reviled " Anton ?


And Radio5 is holding a phone in about it .

I would not be at all surprised to see Anton relieved of all his BBC commitments permanently .

Meanwhile the truly awful X factor ( IMHO) is beating SCD in the ratings by some margin
Not an auspicious start to this series, by any means.

The thing is, i don't believe that it is only HER opinion that counts in this. Even if she were to say that it's all fine now and that she is completey happy to continue working with him, i still feel that he should go.

If he did say what has been reported, it says too much about about the nature of the man to be taken back in an apology. why should we have to look at him on a saturday night?

Except that we don't know what really happened, we only know what a few tabloids chose to report, with their own slant on it.

You are so right .

Regardless of how I feel about Anton, I'd LOVE to see a Laila and Matt C partnership!!

Agreed.

Laila's Strictly experience could effectively been ruined by all this (if it hasn't already).

Show ignorant Anton the door.

Bring in Matthew C - a true gentleman.

I've been thinking that since I watched their chat on the BBC Website!