Says Red Dwarf's Danny John-Jules

Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules accused Strictly Come Dancing of racism long before he signed up to the show, it has been revealed today.

The actor tweeted in 2016 that: ‘They always get rid of the black guy first.’

And last year, he lashed out after the judges – including Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli –  decided to eliminate audience favourite Aston Merrygold.

Then he posted: ‘Bullshit of the week. Strictly bosses pretending to be horrified at Craig Rev Hor sticking to their MO and voting off the brother in the afro.’

His comments were unearthed by The Sun, which splashed them on its front page today.

However, a Strictly insider insisted the show was ‘about as far from racist as you can get’.

John-Jules, who has danced on the West End stage, previously slammed the judges saying: ‘Have you ever seen Bruno or Craig Dance? Would you take a flying lesson from a chef? Find me a clip online of Bruno dancing.’

Yesterday it was reported that all contestants on Strictly Come Dancing this year – who also include comic Seann Walsh – will receive the same £25,000 flat fee for taking part in the show. Previously the BBC has paid some stars more than others, but is said to have standardised the fee in the name of equality and saving money. 

The Corporation has been under fire for a gender pay gap in some of its programmes and divisions.

Published: 27 Aug 2018