Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has admitted getting voted off the show as a dancer was ‘the worst thing in the world.’
The TV favourite, 56, who has appeared on the show ever year since its debut in 2004, has never made it to the final two contestants, let alone won the contest.
Anton moved from the dancefloor to the judging panel on last year’s series and returned to the seat this year, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Honest: Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has admitted getting voted off the show as a dancer was ‘the worst thing in the world’
The bestselling author consoles himself with the fact that no one can give him the boot these days.
Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival in Oxfordshire he said: ‘Not that there is anything wrong with it but getting voted off, I just hated it.
‘It is the worst thing in the world. And it never got better as I got older.
‘The bit I miss is not being in the studio and putting a number together, there is nothing like that. Though standing there and judging is equally as wonderful.
Never forget: Anton and Ann Widdecombe created a moment in Strictly history in 2010 when he swung her around and neither of her feet were in contact with the ground
‘I did say it’s much easier on the knees but the fact that I am now judging also means I can now always stay until the final.’
Since joining Strictly, Anton has gotten to the semi-final of the debut series with opera singer Lesley Garrett, nearly made it to the final three in 2015 with newsreader Katie Derham and was a runner-up with EastEnders actress Emma Barton in 2019.
It wasn’t until he was paired with politician Ann Widdecombe in 2010 that he really hit the headlines.
Safe place: The best selling author consoles himself with the fact that no one can give him the boot these days
Together they created a memorable moment in Strictly history when he swung her around by one of her ankles and neither of her feet were in contact with the ground.
Discussing his former celebrity partners, Anton said: ‘I did not like any of them much . . . No I’m only joking. I like them all. I loved them all.
‘I spent some time with some incredible women . . . even Ann. I say: “Even Ann”. She was a pioneer, the first one who flew in on set.
‘Everyone gets flown in these days from above stage.’
Looking back: Joking he said: ‘Sometimes you just get a partner who can’t really dance and you try to get away with it the best you can
Joking he said: ‘Sometimes you just get a partner who can’t really dance and you try to get away with it the best you can.
‘The worse they are the more outrageous you can be. They are going to be marked terribly anyway. I mean, what are you going to get, a one or a two?
‘I say chuck them in. I love 5ft of smoke and you can just about see their eyebrows.
‘Strictly Come Dancing, it’s not proper dancing as such. You have a celebrity and you are trying to get her through.’
Anton’s current favourite is Nadiya Bychkova’s disco number with Matt Goss from Saturday night’s performance which saw the Bros singer emulate John Travolta in a white waistcoat and very tight trousers.
Anton said: ‘They were tremendous. They were a size too small.
‘I think they were inspired by Bruno Tonioli and they were white? Stone the crows.
‘Apparently, we had a woman in the front with a nut allergy. We had to get her out. It was a disaster.’
It’s a hit! Anton’s current favourite is Nadiya Bychkova’s disco number with Matt Goss, which saw the singer emulate John Travolta in a white waistcoat and very tight trousers
Anton took over Bruno’s seat on the judging panel since the dancer permanently quit the show earlier this year.
Anton revealed that he and Bruno haven’t been in contact since the takeover, explaining: ‘I haven’t spoken to him’.
But despite the little contact, the TV star shut down rumours of a feud between the two – explaining that he would’ve stepped aside if the former judge had wanted his seat back.
‘I haven’t spoken to him’: Anton has admitted that he hasn’t been in touch with Bruno Tonioli since replacing him on the show’s judging panel
Anton was confirmed as a judge for the upcoming season of the show earlier this year, after Bruno stepped down to focus on US version Dancing With The Stars.
And in the weeks following the news, the former judge made a jibe at his replacement as he joked that Anton ‘needed the money’.
But talking recently to The Sun, Anton addressed the moment as light-hearted, admitting he saw the funny side.
Pals: But despite the little contact, the dancer shut down rumours of a feud between the two – explaining that he would’ve stepped aside if the former judge wanted his seat back (Anton and Bruno pictured together in 2019)
Coming soon: Anton joins Shirley Ballas (far left), Craig Revel Horwood (centre right) and Motsi Mabuse (far right) on the judging panel for the upcoming season
‘I think he was just mucking around, I can imagine him saying it. I think it looked more punchy than it was, so I didn’t get the hump over it at all, it actually made me laugh,’ cleared up the star.
Adding that they hadn’t been in contact since he took over the role, the dancer shared: ‘I haven’t spoken to him, I haven’t spoken to any of the judges.
‘It was all down to circumstance really, the situation with flying still isn’t ideal — we all know how many flights are being cancelled — and Bruno said to the BBC, ‘Listen, I can’t do both shows, thank you very much and good luck”.
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Bruno Tonioli for comment.
Pandemic: Anton began judging on the show in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic hit, with regular judge Bruno unable to travel back and forth from his US home
Cheeky: After Anton’s judging place was announced, Bruno made a jibe at his replacement as he joked that he ‘needed the money’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
KYM MARSH
Age: 46
Profession: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says: ‘I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress.’
RICHIE ANDERSON
Age: 34
Profession: Radio presenter
Richie says: ‘This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world!’
ELLIE SIMMONDS
Age: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says: ‘To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to so much fun.’
TYLER WEST
Age: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says: ‘It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.’
ELLIE TAYLOR
Age: 38
Profession: Comedian
Ellie says: ‘Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
TONY ADAMS MBE
Age: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: ‘To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes’
JAMES BYE
Age: 38
Profession: EastEnders actor
James says ‘I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.’
HELEN SKELTON
Age: 39
Profession: TV and radio broadcaster
Helen says: ‘I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started’
WILL MELLOR
Age: 46
Profession: Actor
Will says: ‘I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about. This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!’
KAYE ADAMS
Age: 59
Profession: Television presenter
Kaye says: ‘I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and i can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’
JAYDE ADAMS
Age: 37
Profession: Comedian
Jayde says: ‘I’ve been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and I can’t believe I’ve manifested this.’
MATT GOSS
Age: 53
Profession: Singer
Matt says: ‘I’ve been reclusive, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought, it’s time for me to come home and get out of my own way’
MOLLY RAINFORD
Age: 21
Profession: Singer
Molly says: ‘I already know it’s gonna be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family I’ll be sharing it with.’
FLEUR EAST
Age: 34
Profession: Singer
Fleur says: ‘I’m equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year’s Strictly line up. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.’
HAMZA YASSIN
Age: 35
Profession: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza says: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.’