Strictly’s Anton Du Beke admits feeling ‘very territorial’ towards series amid controversy

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has spoken out amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the show.

The 58-year-old dancer, who has been part of the programme since its inception in 2004, expressed his deep affection for Strictly.

“I love the show and I feel very territorial about the show, really, cause I think it’s a brilliant thing.”

Addressing recent allegations of misconduct, Du Beke added to BBC Breakfast: “I can only speak for myself of course. The only time we are all together, as a group, is on Saturdays – the live show day.

“The rest of the week you are off with your partner, in a studio, rehearsing. So that’s as much time as you have with everybody else.

“I enjoyed my time as a professional dancer enormously. I had the most wonderful relationships with all my partners who I wouldn’t have changed for the world, all of them.

“And I got the great opportunity to spend some brilliant time with some incredibly interesting and wonderful ladies that I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with [otherwise], even in the industry.”

Du Beke’s comments come as the BBC show faces scrutiny over bullying claims against some professional dancers, as the BBC implements new safeguarding measures for the show’s 20th series, set to launch next month.

Craig Revel Horwood, another long-standing judge on Strictly Come Dancing, has also weighed in on the show’s future amid recent controversies.

Speaking to Woman’s Weekly, the 59-year-old expressed confidence in the programme’s resilience and said: “I think the show can rise above what has happened, I really do.”

He emphasised the show’s enduring appeal, adding: “It has a certain verve and people would be so sad if this was to mean the show didn’t continue.”

Horwood, who describes himself as “part of the furniture”, remains optimistic about the upcoming series.

The new safeguarding measures will see a team of new production staff, chaperoning the celebrity contestants during rehearsals, and being present at all times to monitor for any signs of inappropriate behaviour.

The BBC was compelled to take “decisive steps” following accusations of abuse from former contestants, including actress Amanda Abbington and reality TV star Zara McDermott.

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Additionally, professional dancers are expected to receive enhanced training in managing celebrities.

These measures also aim to improve protection for contestants and address concerns raised by past participants, ensuring those taking part have a positive experience.

BBC bosses have reportedly slashed the show’s casting budget amid concerns over potential payouts related to the bullying scandal.

A source told Woman’s Weekly, “Money had to be found to pay for chaperones and welfare producers, and we still don’t know how much all these allegations are going to cost the show.”

Despite these challenges, both Du Beke and Horwood remain committed to the show’s success as it enters its milestone 20th series.