Anton du Beke

Wednesday 24th September 2008

Professional dancer, Anton du Beke talks to us about Strictly Come Dancing and he teaches our competition winner how to waltz.

My partners
When I'm dancing with any woman, I immediately get rid of intimacy barriers. I just give her a big hug and crack on. It helps that I “get” how difficult it is for non-professionals, dancing so close to someone. I just want my partner to feel comfortable.

I went professional with my partner, Erin Boag, 11 years ago, and we had success competing round the world, but appearing on Strictly has changed my life. I'm busier than ever and it's led to new opportunities. But I've never worried about being rich or famous – for me, it's all about the dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing
It may sound clichéd, but Strictly is a real journey. I try to encourage my partner to stay in as long as they can, but above all to enjoy it. I don't mind that none of them have been tipped as favourites – the sporty ones and professional performers will always have the edge. My theory is that journalists like Esther [Rantzen] and Kate [Garraway] are “neck-up” people – they're terrible when it comes to using their bodies, but what goes on in their heads is genius.

I'd be happy to take centre stage and replace Bruce as host of Strictly, but how would I fill his shoes? It would be a massive challenge – he's the greatest man on TV.

Alison Hurrell won our fabulous competition and learnt to dance with Anton. Discover what happened during her dance lesson with Anton du Beke

Read this interview in full in the November issue of woman&home magazine. Find out how Anton discovered his passion for dancing, who proposed to him on 29th February and more...

Don't miss our interview with Strictly's James Jordan
Find out about his dance lesson with our competition winner

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