Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story about the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, revealing that the beloved host issued a specific instruction regarding the show's judging panel.
Bruce Forsyth's Influence on the Strictly Panel
Entertainment icon Bruce Forsyth, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 89, co-presented the BBC ballroom competition alongside Tess Daly before Claudia Winkleman took over. According to Anton, Forsyth played a role in determining where the judges are positioned on the panel.
While Anton, Shirley Ballas, and Motsi Mabuse joined the panel after Forsyth's era, Craig Revel Horwood has been a judge since the very beginning. The late performer decided he wanted Craig at the opposite end of the table.
Anton Du Beke's Revelation on This Morning
Anton revealed on ITV's This Morning: "A lot of people won't know this, but on the very first series of Strictly Come Dancing, Craig was up the end where I sit. He was up Brucie's end. Brucie went, 'You have to get him away from me,' and they moved him down the other end."
Presenter Ben Shephard jokingly asked Anton if it was because Craig, who was also on This Morning, was "mean." Craig, known for his cutting remarks, clarified: "Brucie said 'I don't want him on the end because I'm going to go down the line and we can't end on a negative.'"
"So I was shunted," Craig stated as Anton, Ben, and co-host Cat Deeley laughed.
Craig Revel Horwood's Long-Standing Role
"So literally Brucie moved Craig to where he is now," Anton confirmed. Craig has served on the judging panel since the inaugural series in 2004, while Anton, a former professional dancer on the show, took his seat at the table in 2021.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have now departed from their presenting roles. The new series will be fronted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
Upcoming Series Contestants
Three contestants have been confirmed for the forthcoming series so far: Australian singer Delta Goodrem, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, and Love Island's Dani Dyer, who was scheduled to participate last year but withdrew due to an ankle injury.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on the BBC, and This Morning airs on ITV at 10am on weekdays.
