Anton du Beke, one of the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, is coming under heavy criticism this week after he called his partner on the show, Laila Rouass, a "Paki" . Du Beke had already said sorry to the actress and she had accepted but when the story hit the press he felt compelled to issue a public apology for his insensitivity. Despite this the BBC is under pressure in some quarters to make an example of the former steel worker and to dismiss him.

By any standards, professional dancing is an unusual occupation where many of the conventions of working life don't really apply. It is highly competitive, demands high levels of fitness and requires a degree of physical contact which would not be tolerated in any work place. Dance partners must understand and trust one another and be able to comment freely upon each other's performance honestly and frankly. It is not difficult to imagine conversations occurring that would never be countenanced by many of us where we work. It is clear, given Rouass's response, that on this occasion the normally debonair and suave Du Beke over stepped the mark. But then again, don't we all on occasion? The key to this is his acknowledgement that he made an error from which he has learnt and hopefully he won't make the same mistake again.

Those who defend him by saying it was only a joke (oh dear, Brucie) miss the point because it clearly upset Du Beke's dance partner and issues of race and colour are highly charged at the best of times. Those who demand his head however, clearly don't believe in letting people learn from their mistakes.

This was all sorted out effectively and swiftly by the pair of them. This is strictly none of our business.