Anton Du Beke Partners In Strictly

You know that moment when you’re watching Strictly and the music starts, the lights go up, and there he is—Anton Du Beke—with his perfect posture and that mischievous grin, about to lead someone across the floor? I once had a friend who swore she’d only watch the show if Anton was dancing. She called him “the only true gentleman left.” And honestly, after seeing him with any of his partners, you kind of get it.

His partners on Strictly are a story in themselves. They’re not just dance partners; they’re a cast of characters that have shaped his journey from a pro dancer to a national treasure. Let’s be real: Anton’s had some wild rides on that show.

The Early Days: The Glamour and the Giggles

Back in the early series, Anton was paired with some absolute icons. Think Lesley Garrett (the opera singer) and Esther Rantzen (the legendary presenter). With Lesley, he got to be suave and serious—they even made the semi-finals, which is no joke. But with Esther, oh boy, it was a different story.

They crashed out early, but Anton didn’t care. He laughed through every mistake, and the audience fell in love with his unshakeable optimism. (Side note: Has anyone ever looked more joyful doing a cha-cha that went totally off the rails? I think not.)

The “Rank Outsider” Era: When He Became a Hero

Then came the years where Anton was always given the partner everyone assumed would be eliminated first. You know the type—the older, less flexible, or just plain nervous contestant who couldn’t do a perfect rumba. Think Ann Widdecombe in 2010. She was a politician, she was blunt, and she hated the idea of dancing sexily.

Anton’s response? He choreographed a routine where they literally played golf on the dance floor. They got through week after week because Anton made it funny, sincere, and oddly touching. He didn’t try to turn her into a swan; he made her a glorious goose, and the public ate it up.

The Turning Point: From Joke to Contender

But here’s the thing about Anton Du Beke: underneath the jokes, he’s a serious dancer. He’d been a choreographer and teacher for decades, winning championships before Strictly existed. So when the producers finally gave him a real contender like Katie Derham in 2015, the world saw a new side of him.

Katie was a BBC news presenter, elegant and willing to work hard. They did quicksteps that made you gasp and a Viennese waltz that left you teary. They made it to the final, and Anton didn’t just dance—he glowed. (I remember shouting at my TV, “FINALLY, they see what we see!”)

Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke eyes first trophy as partner

The Golden Partnership: Emma Barton

Then came 2019 and Emma Barton. Oh, this was magic. Emma, an actress from EastEnders, had the technique and the connection with Anton. They danced a showdance to “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” that felt like a movie scene—smooth, romantic, and packed with lifts that Anton pulled off like he was 25 years younger.

They didn’t win (poor Greg and Johannes stole that trophy), but Anton said afterward that Emma was his “dream partner.” You could see it in how he held her hand during the results show. It wasn’t just a partnership; it was a friendship built on mutual trust.

And Then… The Ultimate Prize

After 18 seasons as a pro, Anton was finally promoted to judge in 2021. But before that, he had one more partner: Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2020. Rose, who is deaf, taught Anton (and all of us) about sensory dance—how to feel rhythm through vibrations and sight. They lifted the Glitterball trophy, and Anton broke down on television.

That moment was a perfect circle. The man who spent years being the comic relief, the “old pro with the duffer,” finally became a champion—with a partner who showed him a whole new way to dance.

So What’s the Secret to His Partnerships?

If you ask me, it’s his absolute refusal to be condescending. Anton treats every partner—whether it’s a 70-year-old politician or a 25-year-old actress—like they’re his equal on the floor. He adjusts, he adapts, and he makes them feel like the best dancer in the room.

'Strictly Come Dancing': Anton Du Beke Eyes First Trophy With Partner

He also has this weird, wonderful ability to laugh at himself. When a lift goes wrong (and believe me, they did, especially with Jerry Hall and that infamous “accidental” drop), he shrugs and jokes about his “bad knees.” It makes the partners relax. It makes them trust him.

The Legacy He Leaves

Today, Anton is a judge, and you can still hear that same old warmth in his critiques. He’ll tell a couple they were “absolutely fabulous, darling,” even if they missed a step. But when I think about his Strictly partners, I don’t remember the scores or the eliminations. I remember Ann doing a waltz with a broom, Katie crying with joy after a perfect foxtrot, and Rose lifting the trophy with a silent, fierce smile.

That’s the thing about Anton: his partners aren’t just footnotes in a dance competition. They’re the heart of his story, each one a step toward the man we see today—who wears a tux like he owns it, but also knows how to make a amateur feel like a star.

So next time you watch Strictly and see a pro dancing with a nervous contestant, remember Anton. He taught us all that sometimes, the best partnerships aren’t about winning—they’re about showing up with a smile, a waltz hold, and the knowledge that even a bad dance can be a great memory.

(And if anyone says Anton was just “the joke partner dancer,” politely remind them that he has a Glitterball Trophy at home. Yes, the same one. I dare you to argue with that.)