STRICTLY Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke was Malvern’s special guest over the weekend and revealed it would be an ‘honour’ if he was asked to be a judge on the famous prime-time BBC show.
The professional dancer is rumoured to be one of the favourites to be lined up to replace head judge Len Goodman when he steps down from the role at the end of the current series.
But Anton, who was one of the headline guests at the weekend’s Malvern Autumn Show, said he felt he had still a lot to give to the show as a dancer.
“There’s been no conversations yet but If I was asked (to be a judge) it would be an honour,” he said.
“But dancing is my thing and I want to dance.”
The 50-year-old, who this year is dancing with Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph, had hundreds in hysterics at The Three Counties Showground when he spoke openly about his career and his time on the Saturday night BBC show.
He also praised the show’s fomer presenter Bruce Forsyth saying he was an inspiration to many dancers on the circuit.
“I spoke to him (Bruce) a few weeks ago and he’s fine.
“I did a dance with him a few series back and I would say it was one of the best moments of my life.
“He’s a massive inspiration to a lot of us. He knows everything there is to know. He’s the man.”
Speaking to the Malvern Observer, Du Beke said he always loved coming to Malvern.
“I’ve been to Malvern a few times and I think it is a lovely place,” he said.
“Performing at Summer and Winter fêtes has been my life from a young age so it’s great to be at the Malvern Autumn Show.
“The people here are great and it is always nice to come to places where you get a great welcome.”
Anton started his dancing career at the age of 14 and said his inspiration to get on the dance floor was one thing – girls!
“I started at 14 and have to say it was girls which sparked the inspiration at first.
“I would like to say there was more of an artist calling to it but that happened quite later. I was quite sporty as a youngster and the competitive side of dancing appealed to me. I then got more into it and loved the storytelling side of it all.”
