Anton Du Beke insists Strictly Come Dancing will continue despite calls for three unvaccinated pro-dancers to be removed.
The new judge, who previously warned the BBC’s flagship show would be forced to stop if Covid spread among the cast, told the Sunday Mirror: “The show is going to go on. Everyone is doing everything they can to keep on going.”
His comments come after former Strictly pro James Jordan branded the unnamed trio “selfish” for putting the lives of contestants and other dancers at risk.
But the BBC, which has strict Covid protocols, said none of the other contestants – pro or amateur – had raised concerns.
Despite the row, last night’s first dances will have put a spring in the steps of Strictly fans, who can’t get enough of the show’s uplifting vibe.
Anton said: “People say things like, ‘ Strictly Come Dancing saved me’.
“What they mean is loneliness is a big deal in the UK and the show is something that battles against that because it brings people together.”
And Anton, 55, who has four-year-old twins George and Henrietta with wife Hannah, 43, admits the show has also “entirely” changed his own life. He said: “I’ve had two lives – my one before Strictly, and my life after.
“I wouldn’t have met my wife if it wasn’t for Strictly, as I was at an event on an official work capacity when I met her.
“We wouldn’t have then gone on to have our children so with regards to that, I owe everything to Strictly Come Dancing, really.”
Anton’s charm, wit and footwork have made him a sex symbol over the past 18 years.
But as he steps into his new judging role, fans should be prepared to see a harder edge.
He said: “I’m not going to tell people their dance was marvellous if it was awful, but my wife and Craig [Revel Horwood] do say I don’t need to be so nice – and I agree with them on that.”
