Anton Du Beke on This Morning
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Strictly pro Anton Du Beke breaks silence on claims he’s retiring after this year

He's been on the show since it started in 2004

Anton Du Beke has insisted he’s not retiring from Strictly Come Dancing after this year’s series.

There were suggestions from bookies that the dancer could step down from the BBC show after the 2020 series this autumn.

Anton, along with host Tess Daly and judges Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, has been on the show since its launch in 2004.

Anton Du Beke on This Morning
Anton said he isn’t quitting Strictly (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing: Anton Du Beke to retire after 2020 series?

Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati said: “Anton’s had a ball on Strictly but we reckon he’ll be waltzing off into the sunset after this year’s show is all wrapped up.”

However, during an appearance on This Morning on Monday (March 16), Anton shut down the rumours.

Absolutely not, I don’t know where that comes from.

Host Phillip Schofield asked whether he’s considering retirement this year and Anton replied: “No, I’ve got twins I’m never retiring!

“Absolutely not, I don’t know where that comes from. No, no, no.”

Anton has made the final three times, once with Lesley Garrett in 2004, with Katie Derham in 2015 and with EastEnders star Emma Barton, 42, in December.

Strictly 2020 cancelled
Bookies predicted Anton could retire after this year’s series (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Anton has already been confirmed for the next series and previously insisted he’s not quitting the show.

He told ITV’s Lorriane recently: “Leaving the show? I saw that – absolute nonsense. Made up. Made up before I even left the building. I can’t leave, never! I’m still there.”

Earlier this month, Anton’s co-star Kevin Clifton announced he was quitting the show after seven years.

He said in a statement: “To the entire Strictly family. The past seven years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life.

“I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.

Read more: Kevin Clifton announces he’s leaving Strictly after seven years

“I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have always made the Strictly family what it is and the lovliest show to work for.

“Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. I means the world.”

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)