'I'M VERY COMFY IN THE JUDGE'S CHAIR'

Strictly favourite Anton Du Beke on Hamza Yassin's impressive lifts and how skilful celebrities create weekly dance-off dilemmas

Anton Du Beke has slipped seamlessly into the role of Strictly Come Dancing judge, after replacing Bruno Tonioli for the 2021 series and taking over permanently this year.

His popularity was cemented this series when he received a standing ovation from the show's live audience, after winning the Best Talent Show Judge gong at this year's National Television Awards. He admits it was a surprise to hear his name called out at the ceremony. "I honestly didn't think I had a chance of winning," he says.

The 56-year-old, who was partnered with celebs such as Ruth Langsford, Ann Widdecombe and Esther Rantzen during his 16 years as a dancer on the show, tells new he instantly felt "comfortable" as a judge. He'd first taken on the role in 2020 when he filled in for Motsi Mabuse for two weeks, because she was prevented from flying back from Germany due to pandemic travel restrictions.

Here Anton - who's been married to wife Hannah Summers for five years and is father to five-year-old twins Henrietta and George - chats about his love of all things Strictly and what he's getting up to this Christmas...

Hi Anton! The standard of this year's contestants is very high. Does it make it harder to predict a winner?