Anton Du Beke: 'I want to be the best I can be on Strictly!'

10 September 2023

Anton Du Beke wants to be the “best judge [he] can be” on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Anton Du Beke wants to be the best he can be as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing

The 57-year-old star initially served as a professional on of the BBC One Latin and Ballroom competition and danced with the likes of ‘Loose Women’ anchor Ruth Langsford and ‘EastEnders actress Emma Barton over the years but has been on the panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse since 2021, and ahead of the launch of the new series on 16 September, explained that he doesn’t want anyone to think he is not putting the effort in.

He told The Daily Express’ Saturday Magazine: “I feel as determined about this as I did when I was competing and trying to win. I am trying to be the best I can be. I don't want anyone to ever think I wasn't trying my best- that makes me feel a bit sick!”

The dance champion went on to add that despite his long run on the show, he has often been unable to correctly guess which celebrity will lift the Glitterball Trophy in the end.

He said: “I've felt the same about it since day one. I've always loved it." I didn't pick Hamza (Yassin - 2022 champion) to win early doors. He grew into it. I didn't pick Stacey (Dooley-2018 champion), she was a grower. I rarely pick the winner early doors.”

This year’s lineup of the Saturday night favourite includes TV legend Les Dennis, former ‘Coronation Street’ star Ellie Leach and broadcaster Angela Rippon, who at the age of 78 is the oldest contestant in the history of the show.

But Anton explained that the upcoming series has “something for everyone” and isn’t that age “doesn’t hold anyone back” as he recalled dancing with ‘Birds of a Feather’ star Lesley Joseph, who was 71 years old when she appeared on the show.

He said: “It's got something for everyone. We've covered the whole spectrum. You've got 20-something then the wonderful Angela Rippon. Lesley was in her seventies and was the quickest person I've ever danced with to pick up a routine and the oldest person I ever danced with Age doesn't hold you back!”