Strictly Come Dancing judge to be replaced next year amid show shakeup

A Strictly Come Dancing judge might be saying goodbye to the show next year. Anton Du Beke, the newest addition to the judging panel, could be leaving the BBC show in 2024 according to bookies' predictions.

Ladbrokes has revealed that Anton is just 4/1 to be replaced on next year's series, reports The Mirror. The 57 year old joined the show as a new judge after Bruno Tonioli left in 2021 to focus on the US series Dancing with the Stars.

Anton, who was a pro dancer on the British ballroom series from 2004 to 2019, stepped in for Bruno and became his permanent replacement. He joined usual judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Head Judge Shirley Ballas on the panel.

However, not all fans are happy with Anton with some even labelling him the "worst judge ever". One viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: "Worst 'judge' ever can never give constructive criticism, just makes ridiculous noises. Should just have three judges."

A second aired their thoughts and said: ""He's awful! The pantomime critiques after every dance is excruciating to watch. He puts on a weird act and makes it all about him. Bruno was genuinely funny but he also gave good, fair feedback." Another commented: "The worst decision. He's becoming more and more like Bruno and it's really off putting."

But not everyone feels the same as one fan praised the choice: "The decision in 2021 to make Anton Du Beke one of the judges was genius." Someone else cheered for him: "I love Anton. He's hilarious and much more than a ballroom judge. Give him his own presenter slots on other shows. He's incredibly likeable."

Another supporter expressed: "It was one of the best decisions they've made. A reasonable dancer, but a fantastic judge. Funny, kind and able to give advice gently. It's a 10 from me," while another said: "He's a breath of fresh air!" One more added: "They should have done it earlier. A perfect judge."

Alex Apati from Ladbrokes weighed in on Anton's chances of staying on the show: "Bruno's boots were always going to be big ones to fill… Anton has divided opinion so far, and the odds suggest this series could well be his last on the judging panel."

Strictly might keep Anton even if fans can't agree on him, especially with talk that Craig Revel Horwood could leave next year. Craig has been a judge since 2004, so will he quit after 20 years?

Karen Hauer, 41, has also expressed her interest in becoming a judge. She told the Radio Times: "Right now, I'm really happy with being a professional on Strictly, and to continue spreading that love of dance. As cliched as it sounds, it can change your life, and some people still have no idea. But also, I'd love to be a judge on Strictly. I love to teach and I love to guide people. I think that's my calling, my next step."

But Anton, who became a judge himself, doesn't want the other dancers to try it. When the Express asked which dancer he'd pick for the panel, he said: "None of them."

They then asked if he thinks he's the only one who could switch from dancing to judging, and said: "I'll leave that for other people to decide."

OK! has contacted the BBC and Anton's reps for comment.

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