For someone who has been in show business for so long, Bruce Forsyth did not play his cards right this week.

The race row which has engulfed BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show needed to dampen down but he relit the blue touch paper.

Dancer Anton Du Beke’s jibe at his dance partner Laila Rouass would be enough to see anyone else, in any other job, immediately dismissed for racism and a simple sacking this week would have restored some credit to the show.

His apology for calling her a ‘paki’ will make no difference to any Asian person who has been called this disgusting, offensive name in a school playground, on the street or at work.

But it was not Bruce’s comments, asking us all to "lighten up" that shocked me the most.

As I trawled through the comments on a national newspaper’s website I was astounded by the ignorance of a number of people who likened the use of this derogatory term to the word Brit, Yank, Aussie or Pole.

Are people really that naïve? Or are they just pretending they are stupid?

This four letter word is as vile as any other and was used heavily in the 70s, 80s and 90s as a way of describing a person of Asian descent. It did not matter if they were Indian, Pakistani from Bangladesh or Sri Lankan, to those who used the word, they were a ‘paki’.

Such people could have been referred to as ‘Asian’ but those using it preferred to be deeply offensive hence the term ‘paki shop’ rather than just corner shop.

Those who believe the term is similar to the word Brit need to ask themselves this: If they have an Asian colleague, would they use this slur in front of them?

I believe most companies would deem this word offensive and using it could lead to instant dismissal. I doubt those who believe the word is just a way describing someone would ever use it in front of an Asian person because, for all their hot air, they know it is wrong.

People need to get real - there is no need to use the word ‘paki’ in today's society. Those asking why they cannot use it, need to ask themselves why they are so desperate to use it, only then will they have their answer.

If it is a ‘harmless term’ then why are they so against dropping it?

Forsyth likens it to the phrase ‘limeys’ but I can’t remember seeing hooded thugs waving placards saying: “Limeys go home”. Have you?

Du Beke’s salary is paid for by you and me and while some people may like that fact, I do not and believe he should be fired.

Some have demanded a second chance for him, but he allegedly asked Laila if she was a terrorist when they first met.

The actress says she has forgiven him, but what else can she do? If he is sacked she will have to find a new partner half way through the series. Even though she is the victim, she would also be remembered for her part in the race row that engulfed Strictly.

Football commentator Ron Atkinson was rightly sacked for his racial outburst against then Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly and Carol Thatcher was correctly given her marching orders by the Beeb for her use of the word ‘golliwog’.

I am therefore at a loss attempting to understand why the corporation deemed her reference to a black tennis player as worthy of dismissal yet does not believe it needs to act now.

Forsyth has also moved to ‘clarify’ his remarks. Initially he said: “Whilst I accept we live in a world of extraordinary political correctness, we should keep things in perspective. We used to have a sense of humour about this.”

Yes Bruce, maybe some did, but I doubt many British-Asian people were laughing at the time though.

However, on Friday he was quoted as saying: “What Anton said to Laila was wrong, and he has apologised unreservedly for this.

“Nor do I in any way excuse or condone the use of such language. To be absolutely clear, the use of racially offensive language is never either funny or acceptable.”

Finally we have it from Brucie, an acceptance that this term is racially offensive.

In a bid to ensure the next generation understands this, swift action must be taken by the BBC.

On Friday, more than 420 complaints had been made to the BBC, but the corporation has maintained that, unlike Thatcher, Du Beke has apologised ‘unreservedly’ and therefore his stay of execution remains.

Following another BBC scandal Russell Brand said sorry too, but he got the sack - I wonder if someone at the BBC can tell me what the difference is.