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BBC Radio 4 veteran John Humphrys has been criticised after he and Tory MP David Davis were accused of joking about domestic violence.

The Today Programme presenter began his interview with Mr Davis by laughing over a news headline about a Russian dancer, who was disqualified from the World Tango Championships in Buenos Aires for punching his wife and partner.

The news segment prompted Mr Davis, 70, to say: “I guess this is our last tango,” in reference to his host’s imminent retirement.

Mr Humphrys, 76, laughed and replied: ″It is indeed. But I promise not to punch you if you don’t punch me.”

The pair returned to the theme at the end of their interview, with the former-Brexit secretary saying: “Our last tango was very pleasant and neither of us punched each other.”

The exchange sparked outrage online, with Labour MP Chris Bryant tweeting: “How on earth can it be right for John Humphrys to JOKE about a man punching his tango partner? #timetogojohn”

Sky News journalist Kay Burley also commented on Twitter: “I really, really like John Humphrys. I really, really don’t like him making jokes about a woman being punched by her dance partner.”

Other users shared their shock at the remarks, with one writing: “It seems to have been underdiscussed how, at the beginning of John Humphrys' #r4today interview with David Davis, they had a little giggle together about domestic violence.”

“I can’t believe John Humphrys first sniggered at this, then jokes were made. Real life domestic violence is not amusing,” added another.

The Argentinian dance contest organisers have not released the names of the couple “to preserve the identity of the victim who declined to file a complaint,” Reuters confirmed.

And though the woman was not disqualified, she couldn’t continue competing “because she had no partner,” a source told the news agency.

Mr Humphrys is expected to retire from hosting the Today programme later this year after 32 years at its helm.

BBC Radio 4 declined the Standard's request for comment. Mr Davis has also been contacted.