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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Will Twigger

Strictly's Craig warns Anton du Beke won't leave judging panel 'like Trump'

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood has jokingly warned that Anton du Beke won't go easily from his judging duties.

Pro dancer Anton, who was eliminated in the first week with celeb partner Jacqui Smith, stepped in for Motsi Mabuse after she was forced to self-isolate.

Chatting on Lorraine this morning, Craig laughed that Anton won't want to give up his responsibilities after proving a hit with viewers.

Many have even been crowing for him to become the permanent fourth judge for the rest of the series in the absence of Bruno Tonioli.

"He was like a three-year-old coming in, sitting in his podium," Craig remarked.

"He was loving himself sick.

Craig joked that Anton will be 'like Trump' when the time comes to leave (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

"It was fantastic to see him on the podium, I was delighted that finally he got his chance.

"I think he's going to be a little bit like Trump – difficult to remove."

Craig added that he's got "into the swing of it" with new Covid guidelines on the flagship show.

Craig said Anton was like a 'three-year-old' (BBC / Guy Levy)

The BBC have laid out a strict set of rules for the star's to stick to, Craig sharing: "It was difficult at the start because we're so used to hand-shaking, hugging and all the things like that.

"Being two metres apart from everybody in the studio is really difficult.

"I've been there from the start, right in May 2004, and I know a lot of the crew and normally we're very pally with everyone and you can't mix at all. I'm in my little room upstairs waiting for my cue to go to the studio.

Craig admitted it's been tough with all the new Covid rules (DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)

"It's not as it used to be but it's bringing entertainment to the nation and at the moment that's so important."

And Craig revealed which contestant he's backing after being taken by surprise during his performances.

"To be honest, I'm secretly loving Bill Bailey," he disclosed, "I adore him.

"He just shocks me, every time I see him dance I am amazed and delighted. I never thought for one moment he'd be able to do it – he doesn't look the type or has the type of character. I love him. I would love to see him in the final."

*Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 7:15pm on BBC One.

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