Anton Du Beke has admitted to still getting "a bit of dance envy" when he watches the Strictly professional dancers perform their group numbers but says judging is 'easier on the knees'. The 56-year-old dancer was speaking ahead of the hit BBC show's return to our screens this Friday, where he'll be seen back on the judging panel alongside head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse.
As the show celebrates its 20th series this year, Anton explained how he felt "honoured" to have been on the show since its launch back in 2004. He is one of the few Strictly stars to have joined at the beginning, initially as a professional dancer - with his first celebrity partner being Lesley Garrett.
He has now taken over the role of judge from Bruno Tonioli, who had to quit due to travel commitments for his role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars in the US. Anton said he was “delighted, elated, excited, proud, thrilled" to be returning as a judge for the 20th series.
