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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Verity Sulway

Strictly's Anton du Beke on course for victory after 15 years of missing out

Strictly Come Dancing professional Anton du Beke has made it to the semi-finals of this year's series.

The unlucky dancer, 53, is known for not usually making it very far in the competition in his time on the show.

When he found out the good news he was delighted, jumping in the air and hugging his partner Emma Barton.

"Look at me! Cat that got the cream!", he laughed afterwards at he chatted to host Claudia Winkleman.

And later on he tweeted to say he had set his sights on victory.

"SEMIFINALS here we come!!", he wrote.

Anton and Emma were overjoyed to reach the semi final (BBC)
Anton Du Beke and Emma Barton (BBC)

"Huge congratulations to my incredible partner @EmmaBarton for such an amazing performance... and huge thanks to everyone who voted for us! That Glitterball's another week closer, my loves - just phenomenal!!"

Anton's ill-fated partners have included Susannah Constantine and Gillian Taylforth with whom he placed 15th in 2018 and 2008 respectively.

He also placed 13th with Jerry Hall in 2012, and 11th with Nancy Dell'Olio in 2011.

Anton with Jerry Hall in 2013 (BBC)

It's not all been bad news for Anton however, and he has got close to the Glitterball trophy before.

He placed fourth with Katie Derham in 2015, and third with Lesley Garratt in the very first series of the show in 2004.

Alex Scott lost her place on the show after the decision was left in judge Shirley Ballas' hands.

Anton was partnered with Judy Murray in 2014 (BBC)

Alex said taking part in the show had been a dream come true in discussion with Tess Daly.

“I’ve been a fan of Strictly forever so to even be here and dance here every week. I’ve loved every moment and I have to thank everyone, and everyone behind the scenes to make this show work,” she gushed.

“I’ve literally lived out another dream I had football and then this chapter. I have to thank my dancer partner, he’s incredible. Thank you to everyone,” she added.

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