Anton Du Beke

Anton Du Beke, born Anthony Paul Beke on July 20, 1966, is a prominent British television personality, ballroom dancer, author, and presenter. Raised in Sevenoaks, Kent, to a Hungarian father and Spanish mother, he began dancing at age ten and quickly developed a passion for ballroom and Latin dance. Over several decades, he transformed his early enthusiasm into a distinguished professional dance career, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved faces on British television.

Career and Strictly Come Dancing

Du Beke achieved widespread television fame as an original professional dancer on the BBC hit entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing, joining the line-up upon its launch in 2004. Partnered with fellow professional Erin Boag for many years in competition and on stage, he became a central figure on the series. Du Beke appeared as a competing pro in every season from 2004 to 2020, partnering with notable celebrity contestants such as Lesley Garrett, Ann Widdecombe, Ruth Langsford, and Emma Barton. In 2021, he officially transitioned to the judging panel, succeeding Bruno Tonioli and earning praise for his constructive feedback and lighthearted charm.

Writing and Media Work

Beyond his signature work on Strictly Come Dancing, Du Beke has hosted television programs including Hole in the Wall and Step Up to the Plate. He has also pursued a successful career as an author, writing several bestselling historical fiction novels set in luxury hotel settings, including the Buckingham Hotel series. Additionally, he released his debut swing music album, From the Top, in 2017 and engages with fans through his official YouTube channel, Anton Du Beke TV, where he shares exercise classes, dance tutorials, and personal updates.

Personal Life

Du Beke lives in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, with his wife, Hannah Summers, whom he married in 2017 after several years together. The couple has twin children, a son named George and a daughter named Henrietta, born in 2017. Known for his classic tailored style, warm sense of humor, and dedication to ballroom arts, Du Beke continues to tour live stage shows across the United Kingdom while serving as a key figure on prime-time British television.