‘MY SON DOESN'T CRY WHEN HE SEES ME ON THE TELLY NOW!'

STRICTLY JUDGE ANTON DU BEKE ON HIS DESIRE TO RETURN TO THE DANCE FLOOR, HOW HE GENUINELY DOESN’T HAVE ANY FAVOURITES ON THE SHOW AND WHY HE WILL ALWAYS PUT HIS FAMILY FIRST

- RACHEL CORCORAN

He’s only been a Strictly Come Dancing judge since the start of this series – apart from a two-week stint last year – but it already feels like Anton Du Beke has been there forever. And now we can’t imagine it any other way. Seeing him on the panel, suited and booted, and displaying his wit, warmth and wisdom brings us great joy – and we’re not ashamed to admit it.

Anton, 55, loves his new role on the show as much as we like him being there, and it’s clear when we meet that he’s never been happier – although he admits to still having the odd urge to join in on the dance floor. The professional dancer, who’s been on Strictly since it started in 2004, is here to talk to us about his forthcoming role as Buttons in the panto Cinderella. But our chat veers on to other topics, such as his favourite dance pair and what he’ll do if ex-judge Bruno Tonioli wants his seat back.

Anton, who lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife Hannah and their four-year-old twins Henrietta and George, tells us about his showbiz mates, why his son no longer cries when he sees his dad on the telly and why getting home to his family every night is more important to him than any job…

You’re smashing it as a judge Anton, but are you missing dancing?