Anton Du Beke CONFIRMED as judge for Strictly Come Dancing
He's taking over from Bruno Tonioli
Last updated 19th May 2022
With travel restrictions still tight due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Strictly Come Dancing bosses have today (Wednesday 24th June) revealed that popular judge Bruno Tonioli will not be able to take part in the series this year.
Revealing the 2021 judging panel on social media, Strictly bosses confirmed that long-standing professional dancer Anton Du Beke will take his place for the entire series, following his successful two week stint last year.
A tweet from the official Strictly Twitter account reads: 'It’s the judges! Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021!'. (sic)
Speaking about his new role, Anton Du Beke said: “My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly. It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”
Bruno Tonioli, who has been a fixture on Strictly since 2004, said: “Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it’s just a shame they weren’t available...haha! Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”
Check out all of the rumoured celebs for Strictly Come Dancing 2021:
Chris Whitty
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has been an integral part of the team during the Coronavirus pandemic, but if rumours are anything to go by, Strictly bosses are doing everything in their power to sign him up for the 2021 series.
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of Line of Duty, main actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2021 series of Strictly. According to the bookies, Vicky is 11/10 to join the show.
Gregory Piper
Another Line of Duty star rumoured to switch the cop cars for the dancefloor is Gregory Piper, who played the role of PC Ryan Pilkington in the hit drama.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely recently confessed he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox earlier this year, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf has revealed she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Carrie Symonds
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds has also been a name on the rumour mill. However, judge Shirley Ballas seemed to dismiss these claims recently, telling Metro.co.uk: "99.9999%, it is a family show, it's not a political agenda."
Cheryl
After jumping over to the BBC for The Greatest Dancer, following her stint as a judge on The X Factor, rumours have continuously linked Cheryl to Strictly Come Dancing, so will she appear in 2021?
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Maya Jama
TV presenter Maya Jama was heavily rumoured for the 2020 series, but after she was a no-show in the line-up, fans are hoping she will make an appearance this year.
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women last year where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part, so will we see him on the 2021 series?
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times, "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Of course, this won't be the first time Anton has sat on the judging panel, sitting in for Motsi for two weeks in 2020 when she was forced to self-isolate following her trip home to Germany.
Fans will be over the moon to learn of Anton's new role, with many calling out for him to join the panel for a number of years now.
In recent years, the 54-year-old has been partnered with a number of famous faces, including Laila Rouass, Patsy Palmer, Jan Ravens, Jerry Hall, Judy Murray and Gillian Taylforth.
In 2019, Anton made it all the way to the final with EastEnders actress Emma Barton.
Meanwhile, the Strictly judging panel has changed up a number of times throughout the years, with Craig Revel Horwood now being the only judge to appear on every single series since 2004.
Head judge Shirley Ballas joined the panel in 2017, with Oti Mabuse's sister Motsi taking her seat in 2019.
Former judges include the likes of Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Alesha Dixon and Darcey Bussell.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later in the year on BBC One.
Now read:
Strictly Come Dancing 2020: Winner announced
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: All of the rumoured celebrities
Take our ultimate Strictly Come Dancing quiz 💃