BBC apologises for Arlene "Pole" comment

The BBC has apologised for comments made by Arlene Phillips on Strictly Come Dancing about "Poles from Poland".

The judge was assessing the rumba performed by Kenny Logan and his Polish-born partner Ola Jordan when she made the remark.

Phillips told the pair: "It was like the Pole and the pole dancer dancing around him. It was like Poles from Poland. There was nothing there - Kenny barely moved."

The BBC received 32 complaints about the remarks.

One viewer said: "I hope Ola complained to the producers about her comments. The dragon better not of booked a holiday to Poland in the near future."

The BBC has released a statement apologising for any offence caused and insisting that Phillips was merely making a play on words.

The statement said: "It was meant to be a light hearted play on words that didn't come across in the manner that she had hoped.

"It was in no way intended to be a slight on Polish people or indeed Ola whom she admires very much. We are sorry if the remarks caused any offence."

> Ten Things You Never Knew About Arlene Phillips: Click here to be enlightened