Anton Du Beke fuels Strictly exit rumours with very bizarre comments
He's been very cryptic...
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 17th May 2018 Last updated 17th May 2018
Since the shock axing of Strictly Come Dancingstalwart Brendan Cole, fans of the show have been desperately hoping for the rest of the professionals to confirm whether they'll be returning for this year's series.
Viewers have been especially keen to learn the status of 51-year-old Anton Du Beke, who many were worried would give up his place as one of the original Strictly dancers after his wife Hannah Summers gave birth to their twins last year.
And the dancer, who has been on the show since its first series in 2004, has finally addressed the furor – but don't get your hopes up, it's nothing definitive...
Speaking to The Express at The British Book Awards on Tuesday, Anton cryptically revealed: "I can’t give you a lot of information on Strictly, I don’t know anything."
But when pressed for information on his contract, he said: "No… That’s getting closer, there will be an official announcement from the Strictly press office hopefully soon but still."
Hmm... Be more specific, Anton!
GALLERY: Strictly Come Dancing 2018 rumoured line-up
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
Anton Du Beke fuels Strictly exit rumours with very bizarre comments
2 of 10
Jake Quickenden
He may have won Dancing On Ice earlier this year, but Jake Quickenden has sparked rumours he's heading to Strictly too.
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
Michelle Keegan
Bosses are reportedly keen to 'break the bank' for former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. The Our Girl star will be able to get a few tips from her husband Mark Wright after he appeared on the show back in 2014.
Gemma Collins
TOWIE star Gemma Collins is a firm favourite to land a place on this year's show. However, speaking about her potential signing, Craig Revel Horwood recently said, "Gemma Collins would be fun on the show but it's not very often that we have reality stars take to the ballroom. We generally have people of a higher calibre than that."
Rylan Clark-Neal
This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal recently expressed his interest in taking part in the popular dancing show. He said, "I'm a big fan of Strictly. Last year, I got the chance to go down there for the first time as previously I've always been on The X Factor.** It was nice to go down and support Ruth. Never say never."
Joey Essex
Former TOWIE star Joey Essex is also a keen favourite with bosses as they think he is 'TV gold'.
Piers Morgan
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan hinted that he could be appearing on the show this year. Piers's rival Lord Alan Sugar even said he would donate £25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional £25,000 if he gets past week five!
Les Dennis
During a recent appearance on Sunday Brunch, Les Dennis said, "When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
Nadiya Hussain
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain attended a number of Strictly live shows last year, where she reportedly expressed her love for the show.
Maya Jama
Stormzy's girlfriend Maya Jama is also a hot favourite to appear on the show.
Jake Quickenden
He may have won Dancing On Ice earlier this year, but Jake Quickenden has sparked rumours he's heading to Strictly too.
Coleen Rooney
After welcoming her fourth child into the world in January, Coleen Rooney is reportedly 'in talks' with Strictly bosses to appear on the show.
Michelle Keegan
Bosses are reportedly keen to 'break the bank' for former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan. The Our Girl star will be able to get a few tips from her husband Mark Wright after he appeared on the show back in 2014.
Gemma Collins
TOWIE star Gemma Collins is a firm favourite to land a place on this year's show. However, speaking about her potential signing, Craig Revel Horwood recently said, "Gemma Collins would be fun on the show but it's not very often that we have reality stars take to the ballroom. We generally have people of a higher calibre than that."
Rylan Clark-Neal
This Morning presenter Rylan Clark-Neal recently expressed his interest in taking part in the popular dancing show. He said, "I'm a big fan of Strictly. Last year, I got the chance to go down there for the first time as previously I've always been on The X Factor.** It was nice to go down and support Ruth. Never say never."
Joey Essex
Former TOWIE star Joey Essex is also a keen favourite with bosses as they think he is 'TV gold'.
Piers Morgan
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan hinted that he could be appearing on the show this year. Piers's rival Lord Alan Sugar even said he would donate £25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional £25,000 if he gets past week five!
Les Dennis
During a recent appearance on Sunday Brunch, Les Dennis said, "When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
Nadiya Hussain
Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain attended a number of Strictly live shows last year, where she reportedly expressed her love for the show.
Maya Jama
Stormzy's girlfriend Maya Jama is also a hot favourite to appear on the show.
Jake Quickenden
He may have won Dancing On Ice earlier this year, but Jake Quickenden has sparked rumours he's heading to Strictly too.
"We’ll have to wait and see until the official announcement," he added. "I will carry on doing what I do with the partners I get because that’s the way I do it and that’s what I love to do. Until someone tells me otherwise."
Eek – this is not sounding very positive.
Anton admitted that he was shocked by the departure of his friend Brendan, who had also been on the show since its very first series.
Speaking on Lorraine in February, Anton opened up about Brendan's revelatory interview a week earlier, saying: "It was one of the saddest things I've watched on telly.
"I was heartbroken for him, for me a little bit as well. I'm going to miss him enormously. I can't begin to tell you."
