'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire

- ARIANA LONGSON

He’s been a Saturday-night staple on our screens since Strictly Come Dancing’s inception 20 years ago, but Anton Du Beke is far more than just a dancer. Alongside being a judge on the hit BBC show, the star, who released debut album From The Top in 2017, is a novelist, choreographer and presenter. Ahead of the release of his latest book, A Dance for the King, Anton, who is dad to seven-year-old twins George and Henrietta, sits down with Woman to discuss his goals to star in a movie, why he doesn’t miss being a professional dancer on the show and signing up for I’m a Celebrity.

Hi Anton, how does it feel to be celebrating 20 years of Strictly?

We watched the first ever episode back the other day and it was extraordinary. I haven’t changed a bit, obviously! It’s 20 years old and the show is just as, if not more, brilliant. Back then it was so exciting because nobody really knew what was going on. The show has remained the same, but the production from then to now is unrecognisable.

I’m honoured and thrilled to still be part of it. Being part of it from the very beginning makes me so proud. I get quite nostalgic about it; Tess [Daly], Craig [Revel Horwood] and I are the only ones left from the beginning.

How will you all be celebrating?

I don’t drink but I’m sure there will be a few glasses raised. I’m looking forward to it enormously.

Have your children followed in your footsteps with dancing?