Anton Du Beke predicts 'volatile' Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard
Anton Du Beke thinks this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will have a "volatile" leaderboard because the contestants are more “evenly matched” than in recent seasons.
Anton Du Beke thinks this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants are more “evenly matched” than in recent seasons.
The 59-year-old dancer – who replaced Bruno Tonioli on the show’s judging panel in 2021 – has predicted more “volatility” on the leader board this year because there isn’t as much of a notable gulf in talent between the celebrities vying for the Glitterball Trophy.
He told Woman’s Weekly magazine: “I’m looking forward to it being quite even.
“A few years ago, the leader board was mixing up every week – there’ll be a lot of volatility.
“I’m looking forward to it being an evenly matched year.
“As soon as I finish the Christmas shows, I’ll have a couple of weeks off before the Strictly tour.”
Anton still dances regularly but admitted he doesn’t always remember his steps these days.
He said: “I want to feel like I’m doing well. I’m always working on my technique.
“I’m never phoning it in. Remembering what comes next is a bit of a lottery! That’s more of a struggle.
“But the physical capabilities I can take care of.”
The A Winter’s Ball author has been doing more sessions with a personal trainer in order to be as fit as possible.
He said: “I’m doing more. As you get older you have to keep going with it.
“I’m doing it almost every day.
“After personal training, I’m all pumped and feel magnificent.
“At my age, you’re like a balloon with a slow puncture – the air goes out.
“In about half an hour, I’ll be exactly like I was before.
“I know my body. I have a good understanding of it. I tend to push myself but I don’t try and break myself. Consistency is key.
“I feel blessed. People half my age are struggling with certain bits. I’m very fortunate I don’t.
“I’ve looked after myself and I haven’t been silly.”
Anton has eight-year-old twins Henrietta and George with wife Anna and credits them for keeping him young.
He said: “We are all over K-Pop Demon Hunters – I can roll out a couple of the songs, easily. I’m very much up to speed with that.
“One of the joys of being my age and having children is it keeps you young.
“I look at pals of mine who don’t have children this age and think, ‘You’re a bit old! You’re not up to speed with what’s going on, as I am.’
“I’m very fortunate to have children the age that they are.”
