Strictly Come Dancing viewers call for Anton du Beke to become a permanent judge on the show after it’s revealed he wants to do so next year after filling in for Motsi Mabuse
He made his debut as a Strictly Come Dancing judge on Saturday’s live show, as he fills in for Motsi Mabuse.
And Anton du Beke proved to be a hit with viewers after he stood in for the South African dancer, 39, who is isolating for 14 days, after rushing home to Germany due to her dance school being ‘targeted’.
Viewers have called for Anton to become a permanent judge on the show, which is a sentiment the ballroom dancer, 54, would also reportedly like to happen.
Do it! Strictly Come Dancing viewers called for Anton du Beke to become a permanent judge on the show after he filled in for absent Motsi Mabuse on Saturday night
The Mail On Sunday reported that Anton hopes his role on the panel on Saturday night could lead to a full-time position.
Friends of Anton say he has been eager ‘for quite some time’ to have a judging role and has been disappointed when outsiders have been brought in.
His chance came after he was the first to be booted off the current series with partner, ex-Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who said she was ‘pleased he was free to get the job’.
Temporary absence: Motsi (pictured last week) is isolating for 14 days, after rushing home to Germany due to her dance school being ‘targeted’
Debut: The Mail On Sunday reported that Anton hopes his role on the panel on Saturday night could lead to a full-time position as it’s a ‘dream come true’ for him
One friend told The Mail on Sunday: ‘This is a dream come true for Anton. For many years now he has fancied the role but has been beaten to it when the likes of Motsi and before that Shirley Ballas were brought in.
‘He has been a trouper for Strictly, he has been given some less-than-able celebrities to dance with over the years and never complains.’
Anton has been one of the programme’s most popular professional dancers since it began in 2004, and it was clear viewers would love to see him in the judges chair.
One person wrote: ‘@bbcstrictly please keep Anton as a permanent judge, he’s fantastic.’
They want more: Anton has been one of the programme’s most popular professional dancers since it began in 2004, and it was clear viewers would love to see him in the judges chair
While another gushed: ‘Anton did a good job this weekend. He’s a great bridge between the old and the new. Could see him taking a chair full time. Bruno can concentrate on America.’
Detailing what they liked about Anton’s judging style, another said: ‘Please let Anton stary as a judge he talks so much sense and on a level with the dancers.’
As one viewer went on: ‘Loved Anton as a judge, please keep him #Strictly’
Clara Amfo and partner Aljaz Skorjanec (pictured) topped the leaderboard this week, with a score of 29 for their Charleston to Baby Face by Julie Andrews
Radio presenter Clara Amfo and partner Aljaz Skorjanec (pictured) topped the leaderboard last night, with a score of 29 for their Charleston to Baby Face by Julie Andrews