The BBC has apologised after 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Arlene Phillips made a jibe about "Poles from Poland" to Polish dancer Ola Jordan.
The judge sparked fury when she slated Jordan's rumba with her dance partner Kenny Logan.
Phillips said: "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 today apologised for the remark, saying that Phillip's comment was meant to be a play on words and not a slight on Polish people.
The BBC statement said: "We have received complaints about comments made by Arlene Phillips to Ola Jordan and Kenny Logan on 'Strictly Come Dancing', which was broadcast live on 1st December 2007."
"Saturday's show is live and on occasions contestants and judges can get carried away in the moment and say things that they normally wouldn't."
"Under the pressure of the live environment Arlene did not express herself in the manner that she had intended," the statement continued.
"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."
The BBC received 32 complaints about Phillip's comments on last week's live show.
