LEN Goodman has faced backlash after saying his nan used to call curry powder “foreign muck”.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge appeared live on the BBC ahead of the Platinum Jubilee pageant on Sunday.

The 78-year-old appeared alongside chef John Torode and host Kirsty Young.

Read more: Parents' fury over school meals at Darlington's Wyvern Academy

The group were talking about foods people will eat during the Jubilee, with Kirsty asking the former pro dancer if he is 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.

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

The comments sparked controversy on social media.

Later in the broadcast, Clare Balding issued an apology for if “anyone took offence” to remarks made earlier in the show.

What Twitter users had to say

@AdamJSchwarz: A dollop of old fashioned British Empire xenophobia from Len Goodman on the BBC's Jubilee coverage: "Curry and curry power... my nan used to call it all foreign muck".

@ColinBurnett16: Len Goodman's gran might have taken her driving test in a horse and carriage. But racism is racism, it really doesn't become acceptable because it comes from the older generations

@essers: Someone should tell Len Goodman that Coronation Chicken is a British recipe, created for the coronation by two English chefs. It’s based on a dish created for George V in 1935 called Jubilee Chicken. Curry has been an accepted part of our national diet for over 200 years

@matthew82069336: I don't think Len Goodman will score a "Seven!" for his foreign muck remark earlier. Even when you're reminiscing,surely you can still think about what you're saying.

@Star_BML: Len Goodman demonstrating another 'British tradition 'casual racism and they all laughed! The arrogance and perceived superiority over other nations is truly sickening! He should apologise!

Not everyone agreed.

@bernardbagship1: I don’t know why middle class white Londoners are having meltdowns over Len Goodman’s Nan, she was born in the 1890s, obviously she’s from a different time, they should meet my nan she’s as racist as f**kand still alive.

@TrippyPip: Len Goodman's nan and her 'foreign muck' comment - the only people getting upset about it are people who weren't around the 1970s. People said stuff like that, they'd even say it to my Mum who was foreign (she didn't care). Pizzas were considered exotic back then. Get a grip.

@brea_hall: Len Goodman’s nan was likely born around 1880. I don’t think anyone should be shocked by the opinions of a Victorian woman 100 years ago. Len Goodman was reflecting on and offering a relevant social commentary about how (most of us) have evolved. Don’t hold him to account.

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