ON THE COVER Anton du Beke
Anton Du Beke is shaping up to be the Renaissance man of popular entertainment with a new album and acting dreams
“For the album I started with a shortlist of about 57 songs and had to pick 15”
Strictly without Anton would be like Corrie without the Rovers Return. An integral part of the Strictly line-up, Anton Du Beke has been dancing on the show since the first series sparkled on to our screens in 2004.
Anton (51) has been singing for years, but his vocal talents really came to our attention back on series six of Strictly, during his memorable per formance of Me and My Shadow alongside Bruce Forsyth – a magical moment for Anton which he describes as his career highlight.
“It was incredible! To be able to do that with my hero – it was absolutely amazing.
“Bruce was a consummate entertainer, a true professional. He’s been doing it all of his life and he really was the best of the best. I was lucky to be able to call him my friend.”
Known as the King of Ballroom, Anton’s reputation on the dance floor is fierce – and now he’s decided it’s time to bring his music to his fans by launching his debut album.
“Growing up, I was a huge Rat Pack fan. I’ve always loved Sammy Davis Jr, I thought he was a genius.
“Fred Astaire was another hero of mine – he was so stylish and sophisticated. He sang wonder fully, danced incredibly and he was a great comedy actor – all the things I wanted to be, really.”
Singing, dancing… so could an acting career be next in his sights?
“I don’t know – we’ll have to see if someone gives me a part!” He laughs. “That would be fun but I wouldn’t want to shoehorn myself into it because I’m on Strictly. I’d like to have a go at it but I’d want to train at it. I met Imelda Staunton a few times at the cricket and we spent all day chatting about all things showbiz and her husband Jim (Carter, of Downton fame). What I’d love to do is maybe spend a day with those two so they could teach me a bit!” Having recorded many old standards, such as Fly Me To The Moon and Putting On The Ritz, Anton says he loves them all. “All the songs on the album are really just my favourites. I started off with a shortlist of about 57 and had to cut it down to 15!
“Me and My Shadow is on there obviously, featuring Lance Ellington from the Strictly band, which is my tribute to Brucie. There’s also a song called More which is very special to me and my wife. It’s a Bobby Darin-style arrangement and it’s a beautiful song.”
This Christmas will be extra special for Anton who will be celebrating with his wife, Hannah, and their twins, who were born in March this year. The per former is glowing with happiness at being a new dad. “I love being a dad! I particularly love the mornings when they’re cooing and chatting in their beds and they see you for the first time in the day and get really excited. They start kicking and smiling – it’s just unbelievable! The whole thing is joyous – just the best thing ever.”
Anton can’t wait to share the festive season with his new family.
“I’m so excited! There will be an abundance of trees, decorations and lights. I love going Christmas tree shopping. Our house is going to look like a grotto!”