Anton Du Beke 'uncomfortable' over Strictly Come Dancing change

Sharp-witted Anton Du Beke is a beloved judge on Strictly Come Dancing, a position he took on in 2021 after performing since 2004 on the opposite side of the panel as a professional dancer.

And discussing his time on the popular BBC programme, which is marking its 20th anniversary, Anton confesses there's one aspect he found most 'uncomfortable' to handle when he initially started - "sexing" up the dances. Anton revealed that, despite having partnered with his fair share of inexperienced yet entertaining celebrity contestants - former MP Ann Widdecombe being one notable example - dance beginners haven't been the most challenging aspect he's encountered.

"They started introducing new [dance] styles and we all got very suspicious," he said, reports OK!.

"We were all like, 'What is this new stuff you wish us to do?' It got all jazzy and we were OK with a bit of jazz and then it started to get a bit commercial and we all got a bit crumply. We started doing stuff like [sexy moves and rubbing each other up and down].

"We looked idiotic, if I am being honest. They wanted us to learn this in like five minutes. I found it really uncomfortable doing the commercial stuff early doors - later on, I became brilliant at it!" he added.

Anton spent an impressive six years as a professional dancer on the programme before joining Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood on the judging panel three years ago, and has delighted us with some magnificent television moments since.

In recent Strictly Come Dancing news, Stefan Dennis was forced to pull out of the series due to injury.

Announcing the news on Instagram, he penned: "This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of my time in my Strictly journey. Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the competition and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.

"I can't tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely especially as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne (Buswell) and myself.

"I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better). Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans... it's the same leg!"