Hughie Maughan caused quite a reaction when his faux glow went a step too far on Dancing With the Stars.

The Ballymun man has been a lover of fake tan for years, but showcased a distinctly mahogany brown shade on the show's most recent episode.

After laughing off the accidental tanning escapade, Hughie has been forced to respond to accusations of racism after some saw his perma-tanned visage as black face. 

"Can't believe Ive been receiving death threats this week because of the tan .. my God how am I racist for a tan mistake," the Big Brother star Tweeter earlier today.

“What idiots are people to accuse me of racism get a grip.. the tan turned out darker than planned but at least it’s funny and people spoke."

The 21-year-old set tongues wagging with his bronzed appearance, but most viewers seemed to find the tan funny rather than offensive.

"It was hilarious Hughie, made everyone smile and sure isn't that what we all need," said one fake tan fan. 

"Is Hughie dancing the Tango tonight?" joked another.

The show will continue this weekend, where viewers will watch the show’s first live elimination as the 11 competing celebrities all vie for a place to stay in the hit RTE programme.