Anton Du Beke is reportedly being backed to become Strictly Come Dancing’s new judge.
A spot on the Strictly panel opened up this week when Darcey Bussell made the surprise announcement she was quitting.
Darcey has been a judge on Strictly for seven years, sitting alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas.
Anton – who recently released his own book One Enchanted Evening – has been a pro dancer on the show since the first series – and may well soon be a judge.
According to The Sun, cast and crew on the BBC One series think it’s Anton’s time to takeover.
“Loveable Anton is the cast’s favourite choice to take over from Darcey as judge,” a source shared. “Some on the show believe it’s time for him to hang up his dancing shoes and sit on the other side of the table.”
The insider claimed: “Anton is a well-loved professional but it’s felt by many that his glory years are over.
“He’s often placed with the novelty act and has no chance of getting near the Glitter Ball. He isn’t a real contender any more.”
Despite his chances, Anton recently said he had no plans to ever quit Strictly Come Dancing.
While other pros have come and gone, Anton has been on all sixteen series to date.
“I do get nervous about not being asked back because I love it so much,” he said before Darcey’s departure. “If I didn’t care it wouldn’t bother me. I feel the same about the show now as I did at the beginning.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying to the bitter end.”
Anton told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “I’m lucky, I don’t get aches and pains. I’ve got a very good body for it.”
The Strictly 2019 professionals were confirmed earlier this year.
The male pros joining Anton are Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe. Pasha Kovalev won’t be returning having decided to quit after 8 years.
This year’s women on the Strictly pro cast are Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova and Oti Mabuse.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.
