Strictly pro Anton Du Beke has revealed how he makes the best of “terrible” partners – by keeping their feet off the ground.
The dancer’s foxtrot with former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith on Saturday won her the longest odds in the BBC show’s history.
Jacqui, 57, was told her politics-themed performance was “lumpy” and “a bit House of Common” by judge Craig Revel Horwood.
“I don’t mind if I get tricky partners,” said Anton, 54, who has danced with the like of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
“If you get somebody terrible you can have a bit of fun, get away with murder and do some outrageous things.”
He said with such partners, he choreographs the dances with low scores in mind
“You realise what you are going to get out of them, so I say: ‘We can do a serious number or we can have a bit of fun with it?’
“You know the judges aren’t going to judge you very highly so you can throw the kitchen sink at it and do a number.
“If you can keep somebody off the floor with the air lifts, and get them doing fewer step on the dancefloor, then that’s it”.
During their samba in 2010, Anton dragged canary yellow-clad Ann around the dancefloor to Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel by Tavares.
He told Netmums’ podcast Sweat, Snot & Tears, which goes live tomorrow at netmums: “I’ve danced with some remarkable ladies over the years.
"It’s been brilliant.”
Bookie William Hill has Jacqui at 200/1 after Saturday’s show, with singer HRVY favourite at 6/4 and EastEnders star Maisie Smith at 2/1.
