'You get away with murder on the Christmas special'

Strictly judge Anton Du Beke on throwing out the rule book for the festive show, the rumours that he could be the new host and why he won't be celebrating his big birthday

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Anton is a Strictly icon

He started out as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and got promoted to the judging panel in 2021. Now, Anton Du Beke is being talked about as Strictly’s next host.

Presenting the dance competition would be a dream come true for the 59-year-old, as the top job would see him follow in the footsteps of his idol Sir Bruce Forsyth, whose legendary charisma launched the show in 2004 and turned it into the entertainment juggernaut it is today.

So how would the dance-show judge feel if he was offered the biggest job in showbiz? “Delighted I suppose but we'll have to see if that ever comes up,” Anton chuckles, modestly. “Wouldn't that be lovely. Then I'll have done all three jobs!”

Bruce left Strictly in 2014, but he remained great friends with Anton until his death in 2017, with the pair regularly playing golf. “Bruce has always been a great hero of mine,” grins Anton. “I’ve always been inspired by what he did. I loved the way he entertained. I loved the style of entertainer he was.”