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.
