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Strictly's 'King of Ballroom' Anton du Beke confirmed for Highland Hospice fundraiser


By Ian Duncan

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Celebrity judge Anton Du Beke at this year's Strictly Inverness final.
Celebrity judge Anton Du Beke at this year's Strictly Inverness final.

DANCE star Anton du Beke will still be a guest judge at the finals of next year's Strictly Inverness, it has been confirmed.

Earlier this week he quashed rumours that he would be quitting the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, after it was circulated over the weekend that he would be leaving on a high.

In October, he announced that he would be heading north to judge the final of the Inverness competition, which is in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre, and that he was looking forward to the event.

Wendy Morgan, hospice communications officer, this week confirmed that Mr du Beke was still due to appear at the Inverness final which is due to take place on May 13.

She added: "We thought Anton did fantastically in the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday night – he was our winner. We are very much looking forward to welcoming him to the Strictly Inverness final in May – it’s certainly created a buzz among our new recruits."

The 53-year-old professional dancer reached this year's TV final with actress Emma Barton.

Addressing the reports that he would be leaving the show, he said: "Absolute nonsense. Hilarious. I can't leave, ever, never, I'm still there."

He has been with the show since it began in 2004 and is the only remaining original pro dancer from that first series.

Speaking in October, on a short video clip that was filmed backstage at the TV show, he said he could not wait to return to Inverness because he had such a good time this year. He added: "I had such a great time this year it was a brilliant event and everybody danced amazingly."

Also in the video he said he was looking forward to seeing the finalists and urged people to get their applications in. He added: "I think you are all doing it now, rehearsing and everything, so get ready and I look forward to seeing you – I can't wait to come back."

Applications for next year's competition have now closed and organisers are now finalising the line up.

Dance lessons are due to take place between January and May, ahead of the final.

Related article: WATCH – Strictly great news for Highland dance fans as 'King of Ballroom' Anton du Beke set to return for Highland Hospice fundraiser


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