Anton Du Beke, known for his roles both as a professional dancer and a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up about the reason behind his calm demeanor towards his celebrity partners on the show. Du Beke, who replaced Bruno Tonioli as a full-time judge, shared insights into his experiences while competing on the popular BBC dance competition.
Having participated as a professional for 18 series before transitioning to a judge, Du Beke was paired with various celebrity stars including Patsy Palmer, Kate Garraway, and Judy Murray. Despite not always achieving top placements with his partners, Du Beke found success with stars like Lesley Garrett, Laila Rouass, Katie Derham, and Emma Barton.
Reflecting on a rehearsal room scandal involving Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice from a previous series, Du Beke contrasted his approach to handling challenging partners. Unlike Pernice, who faced frustrations during the competition, Du Beke revealed that he maintained a composed attitude towards his partners, even when faced with difficulties.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Du Beke acknowledged that some of his partners struggled with dancing abilities, noting, “Even when they are good, it is awful.” He highlighted the importance of appreciating his partners for their individual strengths and unique qualities, regardless of their dance skills.
Du Beke humorously recalled an incident where he asked his partner if they were flexible, to which they responded, “Yes, but I can’t do Tuesdays.” Emphasizing the importance of effort and a positive attitude, Du Beke expressed his gratitude for the enjoyable moments he shared with his partners on the show.
Earlier this year, Laila Rouass, who partnered with Du Beke in the past, defended him against allegations and clarified misconceptions surrounding their working relationship. Addressing reports of a complaint to the BBC, Rouass stated that she did not believe Du Beke to be racist or Islamophobic, despite a past incident involving inappropriate language.
Through his candid revelations and lighthearted anecdotes, Anton Du Beke offers a glimpse into the world of Strictly Come Dancing, highlighting the value of respect, understanding, and professionalism in navigating the challenges of competitive dancing partnerships.