Strictly star to quit show as host admits 'it's getting a bit much'

Anton Du Beke, who is set to bring his Anton at Christmas show to New Theatre Oxford on December 11, has revealed that a fellow Strictly star has spoken to him about potentially leaving the programme.

The former professional dancer, 60, who has been part of the BBC dancing competition since it began in 2004, made the admission while promoting his new memoir, Steps In Time.

Speaking on stage in Bath, Mr Du Beke said: “I spoke to somebody the other day and they were like, ‘It’s getting a bit much’.

"It’s somebody who’s been on it not that long, a little while, and I understood that. I thought about it for a while, and I wondered if they will be on it or whether they will decide to step away or carry on.”

Mr Du Beke did not reveal the identity of the person considering their future, leaving fans to speculate about who could depart the programme.

His comments come during a period of change for Strictly, which welcomed new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe this year.

The trio took over presenting duties from long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

There has also been speculation surrounding the future of head judge Shirley Ballas, although she insisted last month she was “100 per cent not leaving Strictly”.

Mr Du Beke appears in no hurry to follow anyone out of the door, having been involved with Strictly throughout its television run alongside fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood.

He said: “I was there from Day One. Craig and I, we are the only ones left. I am so proud of that. It is one of my greatest things.

“I am so proud to have been on the show since the beginning and still loving it as well. I love it as much now as I always have. It is the most brilliant show. I love being a judge. I loved being a professional.

“I loved working with Brucie. He was my hero growing up. Brucie would come out and do his own warm-up, and I used to stand in the wings and watch him before the show began. I watched him every week for about 15 years. He was a genius.”

Mr Du Beke appeared as a professional dancer on Strictly between 2004 and 2020 before becoming a permanent judge in 2021.

His celebrity partners over the years included Kate Garraway, Ruth Langsford, Jerry Hall, Judy Murray and the late Ann Widdecombe.

Oxford fans will get the chance to see Mr Du Beke at New Theatre Oxford next month, with Anton at Christmas scheduled for Friday, December 11.