Strictly. Even if me I’ll still turn up

DANCER ON HIS STAYING POWER AND NEW ALBUM

be part of it, and of course, I wanted to work with Bruce Forsyth, my hero.” Despite all his years on TV and dance experience, nerves are now kicking in more than ever before, he admits. While never getting “that nervous” in his earlier Strictly days, Anton confesses a bewildering thought often hits him now – what if he forgets his steps? “It’s not nerves, it’s apprehension,” he said. “I don’t know where that’s come from because I never forget the routine. I never have. “The unforgivable sin for a professional dancer would be a mistake in the routine. It is beyond sacrilege, so you have to concentrate.” Understandably, Anton is experiencing butterflies before the release of his debut album From The Top. Showing off his vocal flair while backed by vocal harmony quintet The Overtones, he covers songs that have inspired him over the years – both on and off the dancefloor. He explains why he chose the songs – from classic hits Me And My Shadow and Putting On The Ritz, to contemporary tracks City Of Stars from the film La La Land and the Arctic Monkeys’ I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. He said: “I tried to stay away from really iconic songs. For example, something like Mack The Knife – it is really well-known for the Bobby Darin version.

“It’s like New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, and It’s A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, which we did flirt with but didn’t do in the end. They’re such great songs, you can’t do them better.”

He says the record has been a long time coming. Anton added: “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years, an album of all my favourite songs.”

One of the most meaningful tracks on the album is Me And My Shadow, which he performed with Sir Bruce on Strictly in 2008.

He said: “It’s a poignant song, because I did it with Brucie on the show. He was a hero and a great friend.”

Sir Bruce died in August at the age of 89 while Anton was working on the record, and the entertainer – who is often compared to his idol – thinks the legendary broadcaster might have joined him for a rendition of the track.

There’s also a heartwarming tribute to his wife Hannah, with whom Anton welcomed twins this year.

“More, which not many people will know, is a wonderful song that I’ve loved for many years, and I’ve dedicated it to my wife,” he said. “It’s sort of our song. I played it for her very early when we got together and it was on in the background when she was having the babies.”

He added: “She’s the most incredible wife and mum. I’m just the luckiest guy in the world.” ● Anton Du Beke’s From The Top is released on November 24 and Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One every Saturday and Sunday evening.

She’s the most incredible wife and mum. I’m the luckiest guy in the world ANTON TALKS ABOUT HIS WIFE HANNAH