Since I started watching SCD (I hopped aboard in SCD3 in 2005) I DELIBERATELY missed an episode of SCD. As you might expect it related to the "race scandal" as you might expect but not for the reasons you might expect. Anyone who has read my posts will know that I have said that Anton Du Beke should keep his job as he offered an unreserved apology and Laila Rouass has accepted it.
My decision not to watch any longer is motivated by Bruce Forsyth's declaration that racial abuse needs to be accepted with a "sense of humour". And even his so called recant couldn't help but link the freedom to racially abuse indidviduals or groups with impunity with the rise of a rabid "political correctness". All the years that I've watched SCD was despite the presence of Bruce Forsyth rather than because of him. I merely moaned at all the awful unfunny jokes. Rolled my eyes at the borderline lusting after much younger women, and his comments loaded with off colour innuendo.

Although SCD like to propagate the hype of him being an entertainment legend. My memory of him is of being primarily a game show host (I freely admit to not knowing about much of his career before then). With much being made of ageism this series with Arlene being sacked for being too old (although the BBC denies this) Bruce Forsyth has shown he is truly from a bygone era at 81 with his views on racial slurs. Although it must be said his views are hardly unique having read some of the posts on here (for those that say the word is no more than an "description" depending on context...here's a "descriptive" word for you "p###bashing").

I'm hoping that next year the BBC will replace Bruce Forsyth with Angela Rippon, or Michael Aspel....or even his hated rival Jonathon Ross....who even given his many failings I can't imagine would put his foot in it quite like Bruce and tells much funnier jokes

He is beyond bad, out of tune with today's world, crass and arrogant beyond belief.

I have no idea why he is still there.

Well unless you have a ratings box in your household, all you've done is miss some good dances...

I've made my views on Anton's remarks quite clear on another thread, so I'll be succinct. imo his comments were racist. That does not mean he set out to deliberately hurt or insult his partner; in fact the sad thing is that he should indulge in such flippancy without realising the connotations and/or consequences of his remarks. Having said that I don't think his misdemeanor calls for a sacking, though I think he may find future opportunities with the beeb limited after the public outcry his comments created.

I actually felt quite uncomfortable with the 'kissy, cuddle; let's move on,' public display between Anton and Laila. I couldn't help feeling that more than a little damage limitation was involved.

I'm waiting expectantly, trusty sword and shield at the ready, for the slings and arrows to come my way.

Now coming to the second part of the OP's comments, I totally agree with the observations about Bruce. Anton's comments were crass, but Bruce had plenty of time to put his brain (?) into gear before speaking, leading me to believe that there was genuine prejudice behind his interjection. The fact that he tried to justify racist language speaks volumes for his own outdated attitude and his retraction reeked of insincerity.

Bet he reads the Daily Mail.

Bruce has never been funny or entertaining, I remember watching him with my Gran and Grandad back in the 60s, they both hated him and couldn't understand why he was so popular.

He's an outdated fossil who should be put out to pasture, his joke/comment about Jo losing a 'stone' last night was truly dreadful.

Well said Ignazio. I remember a Royal Variety Performance Bruce Forsyth hosted back in the 80's, and no word of a lie, every single one of his "jokes" bombed. His golf pal Jimmy Tarbuck did a far better job. SCD is a winning formula and is success despite Bruce Forsyth not because of him. I'm glad Anton did the decent thing and apologised promptly and unreservedly for his comment. He shouldn't be sacked or face any further censure in my book. But "Mr. Entertainment" should be quietly shown the door. In these times of austerity I'm sure there are others who can do the job better for cheaper

well done !

I would never deliberatley miss an episode of Strictly because of something I dislike, but I have to agree with you about Bruce. I couldn't believe that he told all the people offended by the racist language to "get a sense of humour". That just proves how ancient and out of touch he is.
I also thought his joke about Jo losing a stone was horrible, at least she was a good sport about it, I'm not sure I would have been in that situation. I also remember a few weeks back he made a joke about Erin being an "old banger" which not only was completely unfunny but also very hypocritical.

Well done, Diamondlife. I agree that Bruce's comments were absurd. I did watch the show though . . but I am assuming that this is Bruce's last year.

i switched off after half an hour yesterday. There is just something about this year that leaves a bad taste when you watch it. I can stand listening to bruce, i miss arlene, i dont like having to choose between my two fav shows, this whole anton thing smacks of bias and it just feels like the bbc are trying to force us viewers into believing its all good.

well its not all good.. why dont they just admit they were wrong and fix it before more and more people tune out like myself

Ditto. I can't imagine what possessed Anton to say what he did, but many of us will remember coming out with something and immediately wishing we could bite our tongue off. I'm sure Anton is, as he said, mortified.

parthena

I was just thankful that Bruce didn't put his foot in it further last night by making a flippant joke about what is actually a rather serious issue (despite his outdated and insensitive take on it).

Anyway, Anton and Laila seem to be genuinely enjoying each other's company now and danced immaculately. That's what I shall be concentrating on.

Believe me it wasn't an easy decision to make as I LOVE SCD. But I also think the huge success of Strictly is legitmising a lot of ugly things. As I posted in an earlier post. I'm old enough to remember a lot of racist shows and comedians who were hugely successful on the BBC and ITV. So I'm reaching for the off switch instead I can't really opt for ITV as I loathe X Factor. It's funny in a way because I've read how wholesome SCD is (wholesome family entertainment, immacutely dressed men and women dancing together instead of gyrating to pop music). A sort of return to traditional values. But those traditional values also mean a good dose of old fashioned racism unfortunately