Bruce Forsyth has insisted that Anton Du Beke should not be fired from the BBC for making a racist remark. The Strictly Come Dancing star made the comment to his celebrity partner Laila Rouass off-camera. He has apologised for his actions, but anti-racism groups have called for him to be removed from the reality series. Speaking about the controversy, Forsyth argued that people should not take Du Beke's "slip up" so seriously. "We used to have a sense of humour about this," the 81-year-old told TalkSport. "You go back 25, 30, 40 years and there has always been a bit of humour about the whole thing. "At one time the Americans used to call us 'limeys', which doesn't sound very nice, but we used to laugh about it. Everybody has a nickname. And Anton is such a sweet guy, it's such a terrible shame." He added: "[Anton] is a lovely, sensitive guy. OK, he can be a bit mouthy and can say quick things off-the-cuff like I do. If someone says something to me then I'm straight back. Quick reflex of the tongue is what we've got. "But when you're like that you can slip up every now and again. You can say something that you don't mean. But I'm sure there was nothing vindictive about what he said and [Anton's apology] should be accepted and the page should be closed on it. It's a damn shame and I feel for him and Laila, she's a lovely girl." Earlier this week, Rouass said that she wants to "move on" from the incident and does not want Du Beke to be fired.

I think old fogey Bruce should remember things were different 40 years ago, we don't live in those times anymore, what a TWONK, he's passed it anyway!