Anton Du Beke hints Strictly star is ready to quit BBC show

Anton Du Beke has sparked a fresh wave of speculation around Strictly Come Dancing by revealing that a star on the show has privately told him they are considering walking away. Speaking at the Bath Forum to promote his new memoir, Steps In Time, the Mirror reported ^[1] that the judge admitted one famous face had recently said, "It's getting a bit much."

The 60-year-old former professional dancer said he was left wondering whether this unnamed participant would "step away or carry on" after the current series concludes. He noted that the individual had been on the programme for only "a little while," which rules out long-standing judges like himself and Craig Revel Horwood, who have been with the BBC show since its inception in 2004.

According to the Daily Star ^[2], Du Beke's comments have fuelled rumours about the fate of the show's newly appointed presenters, including Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, or potentially the new cohort of professional dancers. These figures joined the cast this year, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, amid reports of declining viewing figures.

Du Beke, who is releasing his first memoir tomorrow through Blink Publishing, reflected on his own journey from leaving school with no qualifications to becoming a television icon. He shared personal details from his youth, including a difficult relationship with his father, who the Daily Star noted ^[2] was described as a violent alcoholic. Du Beke recounted an incident on Boxing Day where his father stabbed him in the leg and stomach, an event he initially concealed by claiming he had torn a hamstring.

Despite the drama behind the scenes, Du Beke expressed immense pride in his tenure on Strictly. He told audiences he loved the show as much now as he did when it began, citing the late Bruce Forsyth as a genius and his hero. The judge clarified that he is not referring to Horwood, stating that both he and Craig still love being part of the franchise.

As Steps In Time hits shelves, all eyes remain on the BBC to see if any of the new recruits will indeed follow through on the hint of an exit, leaving the future of the dance floor's newest stars uncertain.