Anton Du Beke makes awkward confession about Strictly cast
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has made an awkward confession about the Strictly cast, admitting that he doesn't know who some of them are.
Speaking with The Times, Anton, who has been with the show as a dancer and then judge since it began, said he has noticed a big difference in the show since its early days.
The Strictly judge said "in the old days of Strictly, we used to know everybody," before adding that now he doesn't "know half the people who come on".
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Using Love Island star Tasha Ghouri as an example, Anton revealed that he had never heard of the reality TV star before she came on the BBC dancing show.
"But they all turn out to be marvellous," he explained. "For example, I didn’t know of Tasha Ghouri, but she was extraordinarily fabulous. I had no idea who Joe Sugg was either."
Commenting on the difference between the celebrities chosen for Strictly and the people who appear on Love Island, Anton said: "Strictly is not Love Island. There’s no point seeing gorgeous 25-year-olds dancing fabulously.
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"We want the celebrity partners to reflect the people who watch the show."
Meanwhile, Anton recently announced that he will be returning to the stage this year, where he will be joined by Strictly pro Lauren Oakley.
Lauren is set to join Anton as his "leading lady" for the spring shows of his Anton Du Beke at the Musicals tour.
"Hello my loves! I'm thrilled to announce that the wonderful @laurenmayoakley is joining me as my leading lady on my Anton Du Beke at the Musicals tour next year for the spring shows!" he shared in an Instagram post.
"She is just an absolute superstar, and I'm delighted that she's joining us! So, if you're looking for something to look forward to next year, or even a last-minute Christmas gift, tickets are available now."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
Read more Strictly news on our dedicated homepage
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