Anton Du Beke – the very name conjures images of elegant ballroom dancing, a cheeky grin, and an infectious charm that has made him one of Britain’s most cherished entertainers. For two decades, he has been an undeniable fixture on Strictly Come Dancing, first as its longest-serving professional dancer and now as an integral part of the judging panel. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Anton Du Beke, exploring his early dance roots, his enduring partnerships, his seamless transition to judging, his ventures into writing and touring, and the latest trends that keep this “King of the Ballroom” firmly in the public’s affection.

The Early Steps: A Passion for Dance Ignites

Born Anthony Paul Beke in Kent in 1966, Anton Du Beke’s introduction to dance began relatively late, at the age of 14, when he discovered a local dance school. What started as a casual pursuit quickly blossomed into a profound passion. He dedicated himself to mastering various forms of dance, including Ballroom, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Modern theatre dance, entering competitions by the age of 17. Leaving school at 16, he fully committed to an amateur dancing career, driven by an innate talent and a burgeoning love for the art form.

His professional partnership with fellow dancer Erin Boag, formed in 1997, became a cornerstone of his early career. Together, they achieved significant success, winning numerous national and international awards in the world of competitive ballroom and Latin dance. This formidable partnership, characterised by their complementary styles and undeniable chemistry, would ultimately lead them to the attention of the BBC, setting the stage for a television phenomenon. It was this foundation in traditional ballroom that would define Anton’s signature style and endear him to millions.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Consummate Professional

When Strictly Come Dancing first pirouetted onto screens in 2004, Anton Du Beke was there from the very beginning. As one of the original professional dancers, he quickly became a fan favourite. Renowned for his immaculate posture, classic ballroom technique, and a delightful sense of humour, he brought an air of old-school glamour to the show. While he often found himself paired with less naturally gifted celebrity partners, his unwavering patience, good cheer, and ability to make every dance an entertaining spectacle, regardless of the technical proficiency, solidified his status as a beloved professional.

Over his 18 series as a pro dancer, Anton’s partnerships became iconic. While he may not have lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy with his celebrity partners, his most memorable pairings often included women who were older, less agile, or simply there for the pure joy of the experience. Partnerships with figures like Lesley Garrett, Ann Widdecombe, Ruth Langsford, and Dame Esther Rantzen are remembered not for their flawless routines but for the pure entertainment value, the genuine camaraderie, and Anton’s remarkable ability to encourage and celebrate his partners. His most successful competitive run came in 2019, when he reached the final with EastEnders star Emma Barton, finishing in a respectable second place, a testament to his enduring popularity and dedication.

The Seamless Transition to Judging: A Natural Fit

In 2020, Anton Du Beke took his first steps onto the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, initially filling in for Motsi Mabuse. His guest stints were met with overwhelming approval from viewers, who praised his insightful critiques, empathetic approach, and continued wit. This positive reception paved the way for his permanent appointment as a judge in 2021, replacing Bruno Tonioli.

His transition felt entirely natural, almost predestined. Anton brought a unique perspective to the judging table, drawing on his extensive experience as a professional dancer. He understood the challenges faced by the celebrities, offering constructive criticism delivered with his characteristic warmth and encouragement. His judging style is marked by empathy and understanding, often focusing on the nuances of technique and the spirit of the dance rather than purely aiming for harsh critiques. He’s been lauded for his ability to communicate complex dance concepts in an accessible way, making him a popular figure with both the contestants and the audience. He quickly earned the prestigious title of ‘Judge of the Year’ at the 2022 National Television Awards, cementing his place as a revered and essential part of the Strictly family.

Beyond the Ballroom: Author, Presenter, and Performer

Anton Du Beke’s talents extend far beyond the dancefloor. He has successfully diversified his career, establishing himself as a popular author and a versatile television personality. In 2018, he embarked on a new chapter as a novelist, publishing his debut book, One Enchanted Evening. This was the first in a series of bestselling historical fiction novels set in the glamorous world of a 1930s Mayfair hotel, “The Buckingham.” His books, including Moonlight Over Mayfair, A Christmas to Remember, We’ll Meet Again, The Ballroom Blitz, and The Paris Affair, often blend romance, intrigue, and, naturally, ballroom dancing, delighting readers with his storytelling prowess.

He has also become a familiar face on other television programmes, showcasing his presenting skills and quick wit on various chat shows and game shows. His adventurous travel series with fellow Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily (2023) and Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain (2024), have been particularly popular, highlighting their genuine friendship and comedic timing. These shows offer a charming glimpse into their personalities outside the competitive Strictly environment. Anton also maintains an active touring schedule with his long-time dance partner Erin Boag, performing sell-out shows across the UK that combine their dazzling dance routines with songs and anecdotes.

Family Life and Personal Insights

Behind the sequins and smiles, Anton Du Beke is also a devoted family man. He is married to Hannah Summers, whom he wed in 2017. Their journey to parenthood was a personal one, as they welcomed their twins, George and Henrietta, in 2017 through IVF. Anton has been remarkably open about their IVF journey, describing it as “challenging” but ultimately “stupendous” when they discovered Hannah was pregnant, and “magical” upon learning they were having a boy and a girl. His candour about their experiences has resonated with many, offering support and normalising discussions around fertility treatment.

Anton often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, delighting fans with photos of his children growing up. A recent photo from April 2025 showed his seven-year-old twins looking “remarkably grown up” during a family trip to Egypt, highlighting their joy in exploring new cultures. He has also spoken about the importance of family and how his life has changed since becoming a father. The family recently welcomed new puppies, Fox and Trot, in October, adding to their lively household.

Latest Trends and Enduring Appeal in 2025

As of mid-2025, Anton Du Beke remains a highly active and sought-after personality, with several key trends shaping public interest:

“Anton Du Beke at the Musicals” Tour 2025

A major trending topic is his upcoming nationwide tour, “Anton Du Beke at the Musicals,” scheduled for October-November 2025. This show, featuring his live band, guest singers (including Lance Ellington), and dancers, promises a dazzling evening of West End and Broadway classics, complete with behind-the-scenes Strictly stories. This demonstrates his continued passion for live performance and his ability to draw large crowds.

 Continued Collaboration with Giovanni Pernice: The popularity of Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures series has led to high anticipation for their upcoming 2025 tour, “Together Again.” This tour further solidifies their status as a beloved duo outside of Strictly, capitalising on their strong on-screen chemistry and mutual affection.

New Literary Releases

Fans are always eager for the next instalment in his Buckingham Hotel series. With several successful novels already under his belt, there’s ongoing speculation and excitement about future literary projects, which he often promotes through book signings and “In Conversation” events.

Judge’s Perspective on Strictly

With Strictly Come Dancing returning later in 2025, discussions around Anton’s judging style, his opinions on the new celebrity line-up, and his playful banter with fellow judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood are constant. His unique insight as a former professional continues to be highly valued.

Candidness about Personal Life

His openness about his IVF journey, family life, and recent holiday adventures with his twins continues to garner positive attention. This relatability beyond his professional persona deepens his connection with the public and contributes to his enduring appeal. His appearance at the Sick Children’s Trust Golf Day in June 2025 also highlights his charitable engagements.

FAQs

What is Anton Du Beke’s role on Strictly Come Dancing?

Anton Du Beke is currently a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, a role he permanently took on in 2021 after being a professional dancer on the show since its inception in 2004.

Has Anton Du Beke won Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer?

No, Anton Du Beke has never won the Glitterball trophy as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, though he reached the final in 2019 with Emma Barton.

What kind of books does Anton Du Beke write?

Anton Du Beke is a bestselling author of historical fiction novels, typically set in the 1930s at a fictional Mayfair hotel, blending romance, intrigue, and dance themes.

Does Anton Du Beke have children?

Yes, Anton Du Beke and his wife Hannah Summers have twins, a boy named George and a girl named Henrietta, born in 2017 via IVF.

What are Anton Du Beke’s upcoming projects in 2025?

In 2025, Anton Du Beke is embarking on a nationwide tour “Anton Du Beke at the Musicals” and a “Together Again” tour with Giovanni Pernice. He also continues his role as a Strictly Come Dancing judge and is expected to release new books.

Final Thought 

Anton Du Beke’s career is a remarkable testament to talent, perseverance, and the power of pure charm. From his early days as a dedicated dancer to becoming a beloved professional on Strictly Come Dancing, and now a celebrated judge, author, and television personality, he has continuously evolved while retaining his unique brand of sophisticated warmth. His ability to connect with audiences, whether through a dazzling ballroom routine, a heartfelt anecdote, or a witty critique, has solidified his status as a true national treasure. As he continues to embrace new creative ventures and delight the public with his multifaceted talents, Anton Du Beke remains an enduring and much-loved figure in British entertainment, proving that elegance, humour, and a genuine love for life can create a truly “fab-u-lous” legacy.

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