Anton Du Beke, Strictly Come Dancing’s professional-turned-judge, revealed a hidden message he’s spotted in a move by competitors chasing the Glitterball trophy
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke says he knows when a dancing duo have had a “very difficult” week, before they’ve set foot on the dance floor. Having started in the competition as a professional dancer, the 59-year-knows all too well about how the programme operates and how the couples are feeling.
Since becoming a permanent judge in 2021, he says he has spotted certain tell-tale signs that expose how rehearsals have gone for a pair that week.
Praising the show as a family favourite, he told Yours Magazine: “I think that’s the most beautiful thing. It sums Strictly up. It keeps striving and moves with the times in a slightly old-fashioned way. So, long may it continue. The Waltz is always lovely to judge.”
He continued: “You can see how good or bad a couple’s week has been, it makes me laugh. As I sit there, I know exactly what’s been going on. I can see by the routine what sort of week they’ve had.”
And it’s not only on the dance floor where Anton says he can spot the signs. “If they start at the top of the stairs and walk down, they’ve had a very difficult one! They are wasting as much time as they can until they get on the dance floor,” he added.
Throughout his 17 years as a professional dancer on the programme, Anton partnered with numerous famous faces, including Ruth Langsford, Emma Barton and Ann Widdecombe.
The latter remains as one of his most unforgettable partnerships, due to the comedic value and charm it provided.
While the former Conservative MP didn’t claim victory, she stunned viewers with her efforts and eagerness to tackle something entirely beyond her comfort zone.
Looking back on their time together, he revealed to the publication: “When Ann came along, it was a wonderful moment. I was always gentle with my partners, I could not imagine being in a room with someone you don’t get on with, as you’re there for eight hours.
“Dancing with Ann gave me another string to my bow. I could do humour in the choreography, it was brilliant for me.”
Anton frequently makes light of his pairings on the programme, having never claimed the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Previously speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, he quipped: “I say this in the nicest way, but none of them are 25.”
He continued, according to the Daily Mail: “Because they can’t dance, even when they are good, it is awful.”
Meanwhile in the present series, eight couples continue their their battle for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
This weekend, the performers will dance their new routines at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom, in the hope of securing their place for another week.
Last Saturday, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became the latest celebrity to depart, after the judging panel opted to rescue La Voix in the dance-off.
Source: Mirror
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