Our favourite judge, dancer and author, Anton Du Beke tells Yours about his new novel and why Christmas is always incredible in his household
He’s been delighting fans on Strictly Come Dancing since its inception in 2004 and through his 19 years on the show Anton Du Beke (57) has become a household name.
In 2021 Anton made the transition from professional dancer to Strictly judge – replacing Bruno Tonioli – and was rewarded with a National Television Award for Most Popular Talent Show Judge the following year.
As well as extensive TV (let’s not forget his role as team captain on Hole in the Wall) and dance careers, in 2018 Anton turned his hand to writing and released his debut novel One Enchanted Evening.
Now he’s on the sixth book of the franchise with The Paris Affair, which tells the story of Raymond de Guide and his wife Nancy. It’s 1941 and, while Raymond is fighting overseas, and Nancy is working at the Buckingham Hotel, their lives are irrevocably changed when a mysterious figure from Raymond’s past reappears.
We caught up with Anton to chat about his latest book, Strictly and his plans for Christmas.
The Paris Affair combines dancing with Paris in the Art Deco period. Where do you find your inspiration?
I’ve always had a great fascination with the history of dance. It’s so interesting how dance came about and how it has endured. Yes, the fashion and the style has changed, but the fundamentals of two bodies dancing as one will never change. I’ve always been a bit of a history buff as well – the interwar period and the lavish Art Deco scene that came with it would get anyone’s imagination fired up – so the opportunity to combine the two in a novel means I’ll never run out of inspiration.
Not only are you a Sunday Times Bestselling Author, but you’re also the current reigning Most Popular Talent Show Judge…
That’s only because they didn’t include that category at the NTAs this year! Although, I’d like to think I would have won it again. That was such an exciting moment – I still get emotional about it now.
Where do you keep your awards?
What awards? You have to remember that I’ve never actually won Strictly! I’ve only got that one NTA and it takes pride of place on the mantelpiece. I dust it every day with a feather duster.
How has the transition been from dancer to judge?
I do sometimes miss taking to the dance floor at the weekend, but I’m just so delighted that I get to be there every week and can’t get voted off.
And with the Christmas special, you’ve admitted being “slightly disappointed” not to be dancing…
I love the Christmas special – the songs are great and the costumes ar
