Strictly's most controversial moments - race row, affair exposed and brutal axe

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Strictly Come Dancing is back and along with the sequins and sparkle there's sure to be some sort of controversy.The BBC ballroom show generates countless column inches in the news each year and it isn't just about the dancefloor action.Whether it's outrageous comments, shock sackings or the good old Strictly Curse, the show always gets everyone talking.READ MORE: Kym Marsh reveals heartbreaking reason which inspired her to join Strictly 2022As a new crop of celebs get ready to strut their stuff, we take a look back at some of Strictly's most controversial moments from over the years.Anton had to apologise after using a racial slur to describe his celeb partner Laila Rouass.The dancer - and now judge - was paired with the actress in 2009 when he was still a pro and it emerged that he had used a racist term during rehearsals.However, he insisted that he and Laila often had some "banter" and that "there was no racist intent whatsoever"."I must say immediately and categorically that I am not a racist and that I do not use racist language," Anton said in a statement."During the course of rehearsals Laila and I have exchanged a great deal of banter entirely in jest, and two weeks ago there was an occasion when this term was used."There was no racist intent whatsoever but I accept that it is a term which causes offence and I regret my use of it, which was done without thought or consideration of how others would react."The star added that he apologised "unreservedly" for any offence he might have caused.For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.Seann and Katya's illicit kiss was one of the biggest ever Strictly scandals.Comedian Seann and pro Katya were partnered.