Anton Du Beke reveals most nerve-racking Strictly moment – and it’s a tear-jerker

Anton is set to return to the Strictly judging panel for the 21st series

Anton Du Beke

by Ben Pulsford |
Updated on

National treasure and television legend Anton Du Beke has been part of the Strictly Come Dancing family for almost two decades – even the BBC website says he's 'part of the furniture'.

He really is, though; imagine watching a series of Strictly WITHOUT Anton Du Beke. You can't, can you? That's some scary Strictly multiverse stuff we don't fancy imagining, thank you.

Mr Strictly has been part of the BBC dancing show since 2004, and in that time he MUST'VE seen it all – especially with some of his, erm, somewhat iconic partners.

That's almost two decades on almost live TV, so what's his most nerve-wracking Strictly moment? Let's face it, a lot can go wrong on a show like Strictly – a misstep, a dancing blunder in Blackpool, a rogue comment, a stroppy celebrity...

As it turns out, his most nerve-wracking Strictly-related moment took place not on the Strictly dance floor, but on the golf course with the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Sir Bruce, of course, co-hosted the legendary dancing contest from 2004 to 2013 and sadly passed away four years later in 2017.

We all know that Anton and Bruce had a great friendship but according to Anton one of the most terrifying moments of his career was playing golf with the British legend.

Anton du Beke and Dianne Buswell
Anton Du Beke dancing with Dianne Buswell ©Getty

In a DP World Tour video posted on Anton's Instagram (Anton LOVES a bit of golf) he is asked, "Can you tell us about a time in your career when you felt most nervous?"

After some classic Anton back-and-forth, he reveals, "Playing golf with Bruce Forsyth for the first time ever was the most nervous I've been. There you are? How's that?"

Who is Anton Du Beke?

Anton Du Beke is a British national treasure; he is a ballroom, Latin dancer and television presenter. Anton is best known for his career as a pro dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. In 2021, he replaced Bruno Tonioli on the Strictly judging panel.

How old is Anton Du Beke?

Anton is currently 57 years old. He was born on 20 July 1966.

Where is Anton Du Beke from?

Anton Du Beke was born in Sevenoaks in Kent. His mother was from Spain and his father was from Hungary. He now lives in Buckinghamshire.

How long have Anton Du Beke and Hannah Du Beke been together?

Anton and his wife Hannah first met at a golf club in 2011. In November 2016 they announced they were expecting twins, due in spring 2017. The couple tied the knot in April 2017.

Hannah Du Beke and Anton du Beke
Hannah Du Beke and Anton du Beke ©Getty

Does Anton Du Beke have children?

Yes, he has twins; George and Henrietta, who are both six years old.

When did Anton Du Beke join Strictly?

Anton joined the cast of Strictly as a pro dancer in early 2004.

When did Anton Du Beke become a judge on Strictly?

In 2021, he replaced Bruno Tonioli on the Strictly judging panel.

Who has Anton Du Beke danced with on Strictly?

Prior to becoming a judge, Anton was partnered up with a plethora of different celebs for the series (all with very different dancing abilities, we might add. He has been partnered with the likes of Lesley Garrett, Esther Rantzen, Patsy Palmer, Kate Garraway, Ann Widdecombe, Nancy Dell'Olio, Jerry Hall, Judy Murray, Lesley Joseph, and Ruth Langsford.

Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke
Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke ©Getty

Is Anton Du Beke friends with Giovanni Pernice?

No. They're besties! In fact, Anton and Giovanni going on tour together in 2024.

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