Anton Du Beke has insisted the new chaperone measures introduced by the BBC won’t detract from the quality of Strictly this year.
Speaking exclusively to GB News on the National Television Awards red carpet on Wednesday, the Strictly judge was full of optimism for the 20th-anniversary special that kicks off on Saturday.
Strictly has endured a tumultuous few months following complaints from former contestants over the conduct of some of the show’s pro dancers.
Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice both lost their spots in the Strictly line-up following complaints from their respective 2023 partners Zara McDermott and Amanda Abbington, and the Beeb launched an internal investigation into dancers’ conduct that is still ongoing.
WATCH ANTON DU BEKE’S FULL NTAS RED CARPET INTERVIEW WITH GB NEWS HERE
In response to the misconduct allegations, the BBC introduced a series of welfare measures to ensure similar incidents won’t arise in the future, including the introduction of chaperones to oversee rehearsals.
The measures have sparked a mixed reaction from fans, former contestants and celebrities alike with series nine contestant Edwina Currie openly ridiculing the decision and famous fan Christopher Biggins echoing her criticism.
Du Beke’s own former dance partner Ann Widdecome also unleashed a blistering verdict on the chaperone measures during an interview on Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine.
She ranted: “These are adults. I’d take a very serious view of this if these were kids. These are adults. What do we mean, bullied? These are adults, what do we mean by bullying? Why didn’t they take action?”
Strictly judge Du Beke is clearly a lot more welcoming to the idea than his series eight dance partner, however, as when he was asked how he thinks the measures will affect the show, he replied: “It remains to be seen but I’m sure it’s going to be exactly the same…
“It’s going to be as wonderful as ever!” he passionately insisted before he continued his praise: “And I know that everybody is looking forward to it enormously with renewed vigour! I can’t wait.”
While Du Beke couldn’t reveal too many details about Saturday’s launch, he did tell GB News: “It’s gonna be great.
“The launch show. The new series. 20th anniversary. A great line-up. What more could you want?”
He’ll be returning as a judge on the series alongside Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and the long-serving Craig Revel Horwood.
Du Beke initially joined the judging panel to fill in for former judge Bruno Tonioli before being made his permanent replacement in 2021.
But does he ever miss being a pro? “Sometimes. Not so much anymore.
“I just love sitting there talking about the dancing, watching the show, and making the final. That’s my favorite.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Alan Sugar launches blistering attack on ‘fixed’ NTA’s amid Kate Garraway award winNational Television Awards: Fans outraged as post office scandal victim makes admissionITV Vera’s Brenda Blethyn shares real reason for quitting series in rare filming admission – EXCLUSIVE
Du Beke had reason to celebrate on Wednesday night when Strictly bagged the Best Talent Show gong at this year’s NTAs.
Although it was a bittersweet occasion for Du Beke personally as he missed out in the Best TV Expert category to legendary wildlife presenter, David Attenborough.
Du Beke wasn’t the only big-name star to speak with GB News on the NTAs red carpet either.
His co-star Neil Jones also weighed into the chaperone debate with his honest thoughts on the measures while elsewhere, ITV The Chase star Darragh Ennis slapped down politically correct complaints about the show’s jokes following backlash to Bradley Walsh’s banter.
