Just who did they think Anton was?
Family history show mistook Strictly pro for comic
Anton du Beke says he was snubbed by Who Do You Think You Are? – after producers mistook him for Rob Brydon.
The Strictly Come Dancing pro thought his dreams of appearing on the BBC genealogy programme were about to come true a few years back.
But he was left to foxtrot off when they took back the offer – and, he says, admitted they’d got the wrong person.
“I have a real interest in history,” says Anton, 54. “I was approached for Who Do You Think You Are? but they mistook me for Rob Brydon.
“When they found out I wasn’t him, they were less interested.”
It’s not the first time he has been mixed up with the 55-year-old Gavin and Stacey actor. He tells Talk TV how a fan asking for an autograph made the same mistake
– and he ended up playing along with the woman’s case of mistaken identity.
Anton says: “I had to re-sign it with ‘Lots of love, Rob Brydon’.”
But Anton isn’t taking his snub too seriously. He adds: “This is not the first time someone’s confused us and I doubt it’ll be the last. I do hope WDYTYA come knocking on my door again.”
Anton’s love for history has inspired his writing – including his third book, A Christmas To Remember, which is out now. He says: “With my mum being Spanish and the war in Europe having started before the Second World War, I have an interest in that period.
“Ballroom was invented and took off between the wars.”
He is now in talks to turn his books into a telly drama. He reveals: “I’m in conversation with people. That’s exciting. Hopefully it comes off.”
In the meantime, he is busy on Strictly with his celeb partner, former MP Jacqui Smith , who turns 58 this week.
And despite reports every year that the series will be his last, Anton insists he is there to stay. He says: “I love it more than anything. I’ve never once alluded to not wanting to come back.
“The worst bit is waiting to see if you’re going through or not – that’s the same now as in the first series. If I didn’t feel that, I might have to reconsider. Otherwise, I’m here for a long time to come.”