From ballroom competitor to permanent judge: the enduring career of Anton Du Beke
In short: Anton Du Beke has been a fixture of Strictly Come Dancing since its inception, evolving from a professional competitor to a permanent judge. Beyond the ballroom, his career spans television presenting, singing, and even a stint as a contestant on The Masked Singer, proving his versatility in British entertainment.
Born Anthony Paul Beke in 1966, the dancer began his journey at the Holton School of Dancing in Sevenoaks at age 14. He eventually left school at 16 to pursue an amateur career, balancing dance with day jobs as a salesman. His professional partnership with Erin Boag, formed in 1997, saw them reach a world ranking of 14th among professional ballroom dancers by 2004, the same year they were scouted for the debut series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Du Beke’s tenure on the show is defined by his longevity. He appeared in every series since the show began, often paired with celebrities of varying dance abilities, ranging from singer Lesley Garrett to politician Ann Widdecombe. While he reached the final in series 17 with Emma Barton, his role shifted significantly in 2021 when he became a permanent judge, replacing Bruno Tonioli. This transition followed years of experience as a competitor and occasional guest judge.
His career extends well beyond the dance floor. He has released a studio album, presented shows like Hole in the Wall and Step Up to the Plate, and appeared in travel series alongside Giovanni Pernice. Despite a controversy in 2009 involving a racially offensive comment made to his dance partner Laila Rouass—for which he apologized and she publicly accepted—Du Beke has remained a popular figure in British media, recently appearing as the 'Arctic Fox' on The Masked Singer in 2026.
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