Anton Du Beke has been spotted all smiles as he stepped out in public for the first time since he landed his dream job on the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing.
The star, 54, who is the longest-serving pro dancer on the show, beamed from ear to ear for the cameras after the BBC’s announcement yesterday that he will be replacing judge Bruno Tonioli.
Anton appeared smartly dressed in a crisp white shirt, blue trousers and carrying a leather overnight-bag with his jacket still on the hanger.
He was spotted stepping out with two colleagues and appeared in good spirits walking in a leafy London street after attending meetings with Strictly Come Dancing’s producers.
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The show stalwart’s new job will see him swapping from the dance floor to the coveted judges seats and be required to give contestants and former colleagues his professional opinion on their performances.
He will join judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood for the 19th series of the BBC’s hit show.
The announcement was made via the official BBC Strictly account, as dazzling portraits of the judges were shared alongside the words: ‘It’s the judges!…
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‘Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021!’
The dancer added: “It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”
Anton clearly impressed producers when he stepped in for Motsi last season and got a taste of what it is like on the other side of the dance floor.
Bruno, 65, will not be able to take part in forthcoming series due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions caused by COVID-19.
Anton, will bring a wealth of experience to the panel as he joined Strictly during its first series, and he is the only pro dancer to have danced in every series to date.
Although he has performed in all 18 series, Anton has never taken the top spot but secured second with partner Emma Barton in 2019.