Anton Du Beke, former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and current judge on the show, has revealed how he used to cover for his celebrity dance partners’ lack of ability during his time on the programme. Du Beke, who participated as a professional dancer for 18 series before becoming a judge, shared some of the clever tactics he employed when his partners were struggling on the dance floor.
Throughout his Strictly career, Du Beke was paired with a variety of celebrities, including stars like Patsy Palmer, Kate Garraway, and Judy Murray. Some of his most successful partnerships were with opera singer Lesley Garrett, actor Laila Rouass, newsreader Katie Derham, and EastEnders star Emma Barton, with whom he finished as a runner-up in 2019.
However, Du Beke also danced with celebrities who didn’t fare as well in the competition, such as Anne Widdecombe, Gillian Taylforth, Lesley Joseph, and Susannah Constantine. Speaking to Paul Merson after his Quickstep performance with Karen Hauer, Du Beke acknowledged the challenges of dancing with partners who struggle, saying, “I’ve flown them in, I’ve had exploding maracas, you do everything you can to avoid actually dancing!”
Merson’s performance received praise from Strictly fans, with many commending his improvement and dedication to his dances. The former Arsenal player scored his highest points so far for his Quickstep, impressing the judges and the audience alike. Previously considered the “joke” act of the season, Merson’s serious approach to the dance was well-received by viewers who had called for him to be given the opportunity to showcase his dancing skills without being typecast.
As the competition progresses, Strictly Come Dancing fans are eagerly watching to see how Merson and the other celebrities will continue to improve and captivate audiences with their performances on the dance floor.