4:59PM, Oct 08, 2009
Bruce Forsyth has waded into the Strictly Come Dancing race row.
He told talkSPORT radio that the nation should "get a sense of humour" about the ongoing controversy surrounding dancer Anton Du Beke.
The Strictly host defended Anton, saying: "He's a lovely, sensitive guy.
"Ok, he can be a bit mouthy and say quick things off the cuff like I do. I'm sure there was nothing vindictive about what he said."
Anton has come under fire since telling celebrity dance partner Laila Rouass that she "looked like a P**i" following a spray tan session.
426 people have complained to the BBC about the incident.
But Bruce, 81, feels the whole furore has been blown out of proportion. He added: "We used to have a sense of humour about this.
"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."
The TV legend has come under fire of late with comedian Justin Lee Collins suggesting that Brucie is "too old" to present Strictly.
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