Entertainment
How old is Anton Du Beke and what is his real name?
Anton Du Beke has joined the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing judging panel (Picture: PA)
While he’s featured as a guest judge previously, Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed Anton Du Beke as an official judge for this year’s competition.
And the professional dancer has revealed he’s ‘thrilled’ to be joining the line-up.
Having appeared on the show since it first aired in May, 2004, the Strictly veteran has only had to step in as a temporary judge for Motsi Mabuse in the past.
Celebs and professional dancers are set to hit the stage on Saturday, September 18, but here’s everything you need to know about the new judge.
How old is Anton Du Beke and what is his real name?
Anton Du Beke is 55 years old and is the newest addition to Strictly’s judging panel.
Anton’s no stranger to Strictly (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
The Kent-born star has a Hungarian father, Antal Xavier Beke, and a Spanish mother, Ascensión ‘Conchita’ Lema. His real name is Anthony Paul Beke, but he goes by his stage name.
Anton began dancing when he was 14 and studied contemporary, jazz, ballet and modern theatre dance styles. He later went on to specialise in ballroom dancing.
Having previously graced the Strictly stage as a professional dancer, he’ll now be swapping it for a seat on the judging panel.
Joining him will be returning judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Who is Strictly’s Anton married to and does they have any children?
Anton is married to businesswoman Hannah Summers, who is the Chief Marketing Officer at mobile network security company AdaptiveMobile.
Anton Du Beke and Hannah Summers have twins George and Henrietta together (Picture: Dave J Hogan via Getty)
The pair met at a golf club and dated for six years before secretly tying the knot in May 2017 at Cliveden House Hotel in Berkshire.
Anton and Hannah have two children, twins George and Henrietta. They were born on March 30, 2017.
Who is Anton Du Beke replacing as a judge?
Anton Du Beke will be replacing Bruno Tonioli, who’s been unable to join the season due to travel restrictions as he’s based in America.
Bruno, 65, told the PA news agency: ‘Blame the travel insanity. It is like anyone. It is impossible to schedule. It is a mutual agreement because they have to go ahead. They have to produce a show.’
Bruno Tonioli is sitting out season 19 of Strictly due to travel complications (Picture: PA)
He said of his replacement: ‘Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place – it’s just a shame they weren’t available…haha!
‘Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him.
‘I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.’
Speaking out about the news, Anton said: ‘My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly.’
How many Strictly Come Dancing dance partners has Anton Du Beke had and who are they?
Anton has had 18 Strictly Come Dancing dance partners since he appeared on the show in series one.
He has appeared in every single series of the show since, and has received plenty of praise – with his fair share of criticism, too.
Strictly Come Dancing judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning (Picture: BBC)
However, he’s promised to go easy on the 2021 contestants. He said: ‘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.’
His previous dance partners were:
Lesley Garrett – series 1Esther Rantzen – series 2Patsy Palmer – series 3 Jan Ravens – series 4 Kate Garraway – series 5 Gillian Taylforth – series 6Laila Rouass – series 7 Ann Widdecombe – series 8 Nancy Dell’Olio – series 9 Jerry Hall – series 10Fiona Fullerton – series 11Judy Murray 8 – series 12Katie Derham – series 13Lesley Joseph – series 14Ruth Langsford – series 15Susannah Constantine – series 16Emma Barton – series 17Jacqui Smith – series 18
While he has been on the show for 17 years, Anton is yet to win the Glitterball. However, the talented dancer has made it to the Strictly final with Katie Derham and Emma Barton in 2015 and 2019, respectively.
Strictly Come Dancing’s launch show airs on BBC One on Saturday, September 18 at 7.45pm
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Tilly Ramsay on how dad Gordon prepared her for judges’ criticism
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Tom Fletcher got McFly bandmate Harry Judd’s blessing before signing up
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
