This year sees 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing on our screens, where Anton Du Beke first started as one of the professionals, later joining the judges. But what’s been his favourite moment so far? 

Anton Du Beke: That’s a big question! From the first number I danced with Lesley Garrett to me performing with Brucie, doing Me and My Shadow to making the final for the first time, to getting my first 10s, to every time I judge, to every time I put on my bow tie and walk out Strictly floor, they’re all my favourites.

This means the next few months are set to be very busy.

ADB: When I’m not working, I love to spend time with Hannah and the children, that’s how I decompress and unwind.

Anton will visit His Majesty’s Theatre for Christmas with Anton Du Beke after previous shows with us at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The London Palladium. How does performing on stage differ to competitions or TV?

ADB: Oh, it’s entirely different. The main difference is the audience. In competitions, your audience is there, but your focus is on competing, performing for the judges, really, and the audience, but they’re not your primary concern. Television is different, again, because invariably, it’s quite a small audience, and you’re also doing it for the people you can’t see as well, the people at home. But with an audience on stage, in the theatre, it’s the immediacy of the whole thing, they’re right there in front of you.  So, for me, it’s always about making that connection with the audience. Fundamentally, I’m engaging with the audience through my performance, and that’s the most important thing, and that immediate response that you get from them that you can use as part of your performance.

Known as the King of Ballroom, what’s Anton’s favourite dance to watch and perform?

ADB: I’ve always been a Foxtrot man, but on stage, I love doing song and dance numbers. I don’t really have a favourite to watch. I just love watching anything that’s brilliant!

Hopefully we get to see some Foxtrot at his forthcoming show this December.

ADB: Christmas is my favourite time of the year so I’m very much looking forward to it. It’s going to be a joyous show full of carols, Christmas cheer and even some snow!

Christmas with Anton Du Beke comes to His Majesty’s Theatre on Sun 22 December 2024. For more info and to book tickets, click here.