Strictly's Anton Du Beke says bosses had no idea Darcey Bussell was quitting

Having been on the show since it started back in 2004, Anton Du Beke has witnessed his fair share of Strictly Come Dancing scandals.

And in the run-up to series 16, Anton has given his insider take on the latest drama facing the show - including last year's winners 'hooking up' and judge Darcey Bussell's shock resignation.

Dame Darcey stunned fans of the BBC dance contest earlier this month when she announced she wold not be returning for her seventh series.

According to Anton, bosses were just as taken aback by Darcey's decision to quit as viewers had been.

Anton said he'd be 'delighted' to take Darcey's place on the panel (BBC)

Darcey announced her departure from the show in April after six years as a judge (BBC)

The ballroom champ revealed producers had been 'caught by surprise' and are still deciding who is going to replace her.

Throwing his hat into the ring, 52-year-old Anton admitted that he'd be 'delighted' to take Darcey's place - but he hasn't been approached yet.

Why Darcey Bussell is leaving Strictly - all the hints from her statement

Anton said judges were 'caught by surprise'' when Darcey said she wanted to leave her role (PA)

Anton, pictured with Ann Widdecombe, has been on the show since it started but never won (PA)

Speaking to the Mail Online he said: "It's a process, I don't think they're trying to avoid me or anything, I think they were caught a bit by surprise by Darcey, it wasn't like the end of the series when she said she was leaving.

"I haven't spoken to her about it, and it's caught everybody a bit on the hop, but they've got the whole summer to organise it, they'll go through a process which they have to do.

"I'm on the show anyway, so I'm either going to be dancing as normal or they might decide they want me to change roles. Whatever they want me to do I'd be delighted to do it."

Who will be the new Strictly Come Dancing judge? Contenders to replace Darcey Bussell

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton won the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing competition (PA)

Anton, who has been on the show for the last 15 years, also responded to rumours that his professional parter Erin Boag was in talks for Darcey's role.

Calling the speculation 'hilarious,' Anton confirmed: "She hasn't been approached."

And following the recent scandal involving last year's winners Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, who are rumoured to be dating, Anton said the so-called 'Strictly Curse' was nothing new.

"It's not a new thing let's say that, it's sort of since the very beginning of Strictly Come Dancing , people have developed quite strong friendships, it's not a new thing," he added.