Anton Du Beke pays heartfelt tribute to late BBC Strictly ‘hero’
BBC Strictly former dancer and judge Anton Du Beke has shared his touching thoughts on “hero” Bruce Forsyth.
The 58-year-old was reflecting on his career with the popular dance programme as it approaches its “20 Fabulous Years” celebration.
Du Beke has been a series staple the show began in 2004, debuting as a professional dancer partnered with opera singer Lesley Garrett.
While he never lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy himself, the 58-year-old found himself in the series 13 final with newscaster and presenter Katie Derham.
He retired as a dancer on the iconic show in 2021 and joined the judging panel, where he has once again not missed an episode.
“Strictly means the world to me and so many other people. It’s changed my life,” Du Beke explained.
“Every year we get the chance to meet new celebrities which is what makes it so special,” he glowed about the programme.
However, the 58-year-old revealed the highlight of his long and glittering career with Strictly came in 2008.
Among “many” moments Du Beke could recall, he was most fond of performing Me and My Shadow with the late Bruce Forsyth.
Forsyth, who died aged 89 in 2017, hosted Strictly from 2004 and retired in 2013.
Du Beke described the legendary entertainer as his “hero” in the touching tribute.
His reflections come as the dancer and judge deflected rumours he was considering leaving Strictly last month.
“I’ll be there in a decade, don’t you worry,” the 58-year-old declared to the Radio Times.
Du Beke’s prediction about his own career matches his thoughts on the future of the show itself.
“It can run and run!” He confidently decalred.
The veteran dancer reckons the success of the show, outside of its “genius” concept, was its multilayered appeal – from the live music and celeb drama to the dancing itself.
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Speaking to RadioTimes, Du Beke explained the “nuts and bolts” of Strictly have remained the same and “people are loving the show as much as ever”.
His prediction appears to hold water as fan favourite contestant Chris McCausland was crowed Strictly champion on Saturday’s grand finale.