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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Len Goodman faces backlash after 'foreign muck' remark during Platinum Jubilee coverage

Len Goodman has faced backlash after the Strictly Come Dancing veteran said his nan used to call curry powder "foreign muck."

The 78-year-old appeared live on the BBC ahead of the Platinum Jubilee pageant today, alongside chef John Torode and host Kirsty Young.

The group were talking about the different food people will eat during the Jubilee, with Kirsty asking the former pro dancer if he's a cook.

Len replied: "No. My wife did coronation chicken yesterday for our tea, I have never had it before.

"I have never had curry and curry powder, no. My nan used to call it 'foreign muck', so I have been always worried about it.

Len Goodman on live telly, ahead of the Platinum Jubilee pageant (BBC)

"But I must say, it was delicious, it was tasty. So yep I had my first sampling of coronation chicken yesterday."

His comments sparked outrage on Twitter, with many expressing their anger over the remarks.

One person said: "I wonder if the BBC is cringing the same way I am? Len Goodman talking about "foreign muck" on a show that is being broadcasted around the world. I don't think this is helping Britain's global image."

Another social media user called for Len to apologise, saying: "Petition to get the BBC and Len Goodman to apologise for his choice of words calling Coronation Chicken “foreign muck” in the words of his nan, apparently. Appalling and NO excuses because of his age. We forgive older generations for things like this too much.

Len Goodman was chatting to host Kirsty Young and chef John Torode when he made the remark (BBC)

A third person pondered: "Makes you wonder if Len Goodman has ever eaten pasta, or anything bought at a patisserie."

A fourth person wrote: "Len Goodman showing his disdain for curry flavour and remembering how his Nan used to refer to foreign food as ‘muck’ is not the greatest start to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant which focuses on diversity in the UK."

Others stuck up for Len, pointing out his age.

One person said: "If you were as old as Len Goodman then your nan probably called it foreign muck as well. Different generation, different times. Stop trying to out today's values on yesterday's people."

Len Goodman is a former judge on Strictly Come Dancing (GC Images)

During the pageant, which saw 200 'national treasures' parade towards Buckingham Palace, celebrity chef Prue Leith had some car trouble when the vehicle she was riding in broke down.

Dressed in a turquoise and pink floral jacket, Prue was all smiles as she waved to the crowds, who were packed at the side of the road, cheering their appreciation.

Unfortunately, the feeling of bon viveur was soon to go when her car came to a sudden, juddering halt.

Prue's journey then continued with five people pushing hard to the back of the car, as television cameras joined them to share the Bake Off star's misfortune.

The baking icon was seen turning to see how the rescue operation was going and was smiling at the predicament they were in.

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