Strictly judge Anton Du Beke told new presenter Emma Willis a knighthood should come his way after appearing in the show since it began over 20 years ago
Strictly ‘s Anton Du Beke is pitching for an honour from the King – and asked show’s host Emma Willis “Surely a knighthood should come my way at some stage?”
The Strictly judge, who has been a staple on the BBC series since it began in 2004, appeared on Emma Willis’ Saturday Radio 2 afternoon show ahead of the first episode airing last night. Emma and Anton discussed the line-up of celebrities on this series, and got onto the subject of Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
Anton said: “Love it when we have a Dame or a Sir. We don’t have enough of them – we need more of them. If they make me a Sir, then we can just cover that base every year, straight away.
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He continued: “I’ve been around long enough to be a Sir. Surely a knighthood should come my way at some stage? Can we start a petition?”
Anton also talked about his pride of being there since day one – only one of two stars of the show to do so.
“I love it as much now as I did when I first walked in,” Anton, who was a dancer on the show for 16 years – said.
“It’s only Craig [Revel Horwood] and I left from the very first show – and that fills me with great pride.”
On the radio show Emma also revealed it will be her last for a few months as It Takes Two and Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor is due to step in from next week, as Emma concentrates on her new Strictly gig.
The first show of the series kicked off last night [Saturday 19 September] to divided viewers. Some praised the new presenting line-up – consisting of Emma, comedian Josh Widdecombe and dancer Johannes Radebe.
One fan said: “Rooting for Emma, Josh, and Johannes so hard I’m so here for the dynamic between the three of them #strictly.”
Others weren’t so sure of the replacements for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
One viewer wrote on X: “I know it’s only the first few minutes, but I just cannot gel to there being three hosts #strictly.”
A second went on to add: “Oh, it’s so weird without Tess and Claudia #Strictly.”
Emma recently spoke about receiving reviews of her performance, saying she “won’t engage” with any criticism.
“I’m ready for the comparisons,” she said. “I am ready for the negative opinions that can come with these things. Those things I don’t engage with or read, and there are always positives as well.”
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