Anton Du Beke is one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most beloved stars, known for his charisma, humor, and expertise on the dance floor. 

However, his journey to success was far from smooth. 

Reflecting on his early years in the competitive dance world, the 58-year-old professional-turned-judge opened up about the struggles 

and setbacks he faced alongside his long-time dance partner, Erin Boag.

A Challenging Start in the Dance World

Unlike many professional dancers who begin their training at a young age, Anton started later in life. 

This meant he had to work twice as hard to establish himself in the highly competitive world of ballroom dancing. 

His partnership with Erin Boag, which began in 1997, was marked by both triumphs and tribulations.

The duo quickly made a name for themselves, winning the New Zealand Championships in 1998 and 1999 before turning professional in 2001. However, their success did not come easily, and Anton has since admitted that behind the scenes, there were many moments of frustration and disappointment.

Facing Defeat and Financial Hardships

One particularly difficult experience came when Anton and Erin competed in the prestigious French Open in Paris. Looking back on the event, Anton recalled how devastating it was to perform poorly on such a grand stage. “We did really badly,” he admitted, explaining that the failure weighed heavily on him.

Their struggles were not only limited to their performance on the dance floor. Financial difficulties added further strain to their partnership. Anton confessed that he was earning just £100 a week at the time but was spending £120, leaving him constantly struggling to make ends meet. The pressure of trying to succeed with limited resources put an additional strain on his working relationship with Erin, making every competition feel like a battle.

The Emotional Toll of Failure

Competing at a high level comes with immense expectations, and Anton found himself deeply affected whenever he and Erin failed to secure victories. He admitted that he would feel incredibly “upset” when they received criticism or did not achieve the results they had hoped for.

Speaking on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Anton revealed that during these tough times, he experienced what he described as an “internal crisis.” The feeling of not progressing as he wanted left him questioning whether he should continue pursuing dance at all.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m going to have to chuck this in because I’m wasting my life,’” Anton shared candidly. At his lowest points, he even considered walking away from the career he had worked so hard to build.

Pushing Through the Challenges

Despite his doubts, Anton ultimately decided to persevere. He realized that dance was his true passion, and even though he had moments of discouragement, he could not imagine doing anything else. Instead of giving up, he chose to double down on his efforts, determined to push through the difficult times.

His resilience paid off in 2004 when he was invited to join the inaugural lineup of professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in his career, giving him a platform to showcase his talent and entertain millions of viewers.

From Professional Dancer to Esteemed Judge

Over the years, Anton became a fan favorite on Strictly, renowned for his witty commentary and ability to bring out the best in his celebrity dance partners. While he never lifted the glitterball trophy as a professional dancer, he remained one of the show’s most enduring stars.

His dedication and experience led to an even greater opportunity in 2021 when he was offered a permanent seat on the judging panel. Replacing Bruno Tonioli, Anton joined Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse as one of the show’s official judges. His wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience as a competitor have made him a valuable addition to the panel, and he continues to play a significant role in shaping the competition.

Looking Ahead

As Strictly Come Dancing prepares for its next season, Anton is expected to return as a judge, though official confirmation is still awaited. With his extensive background in ballroom dancing and his deep understanding of the competition, he remains a key figure on the show.

Reflecting on his journey, Anton’s story is one of perseverance and determination. From struggling to make a name for himself to becoming a Strictly legend, his success proves that hard work and resilience can lead to incredible achievements—even after the toughest setbacks.

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