Anton...being Strictly judge won’t stop me hitting the dance floor

NEW Strictly judge Anton Du Beke says he will grab any chance to jump back on the dance floor during the next series.

The professional dancer, 55, admitted: “It’s the thing I’m going to miss the most.”

Anton, inset, is stepping in for Bruno Tonioli – who lives in Los Angeles and faced uncertainty over international travel restrictions.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain yesterday, Anton said: “Well, traditionally the judges don’t get involved in the group numbers unless it’s sort of like a Halloween theme or something like that.

“But I would be hugely disappointed if I wasn’t able to do something. Maybe if somebody comes in and does a turn or song or something, I could grab one of the girls and we can have a bit of a dance.

“I’d love that, this is the thing I’m going to miss the most, and I know all the pros are getting into the studio now…and I’m already feeling a little bit bereft.”

He also said he would be an “empathetic” judge alongside the returning panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse on the hit BBC One show.

Appearing alongside Anton on GMB was his off-screen dance partner and former Strictly professional Erin Boag. She is thrilled by his upcoming stint as a judge.

Erin told Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard it was “fabulous news”. And turning to Anton, she added: “I think the whole nation wants you there.”

Following the announcement he would not sit on the judging panel this year, Bruno described Anton as “Mr Strictly”, adding: “If anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”

Anton is the show’s longest-serving professional dancer, having been a fixture on the BBC One series since it began in 2004.

This year’s Strictly will also welcome four new professional dancers. They are Kai Widdrington, from Dancing With The Stars Ireland, Nikita Kuzmin, a former Let’s Dance Germany professional, Cameron Lombard, reigning South African Latin champion, and Jowita Przystal, winner of last year’s The Greatest Dancer.

Last year’s Strictly was won by comedian Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse.