Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has announced he is releasing a Christmas single, just days after speculation emerged about the future of the show's judging panel.
In an announcement video, Du Beke stands beside a Christmas tree wearing a festive jumper, singing "My loves" to gain viewers' attention. He then says: "I've got something rather special for you-a treat, a Christmas treat. It's all rather festive. It's my brand new Christmas single. I'm going to Dance My Way To Christmas."
The Strictly judge promotes the release using only his first name, in typical Anton fashion.
Single Release Details
The single will officially be released on November 6 and is described as a classic swing Christmas track. Du Beke co-wrote the song with Jacqui Hicks and shares vocals on the record with Lance Ellington.
"Launching a Christmas single is something I've always wanted to do, for as long as I can remember," he explained. "For me Christmas is the most magical time of year and the music played is a huge part of that and what makes it so memorable. All the favourites are rolled out and for Dance My Way to Christmas to possibly be part of the seasonal playlists is a dream come true!"
Praising his co-writer, he continued: "Jacqui is a very accomplished songwriter and is a performer in her own right. I've known her for five years or so as she is married to Pat, the trombone player in our band. She knows me well, the kind of music I love, the style of thing that I love and it's just perfect. Then when we got into the studio with the band and Lance, it was everything I could have dreamed of. I can't wait to share it with people."
Anton at Christmas Tour
Du Beke will incorporate the track into his festive tour, Anton at Christmas, which is set to entertain audiences across the UK from 10-22 December.
His announcement comes as a question mark hangs over the future of colleague Shirley Ballas on the show. Insiders have claimed she may not return to the judging panel next year. The head judge joined the show in 2017 following the late Len Goodman's departure.
Judges' Contracts Expiring
According to MailOnline, show contracts for all four judges, including Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Du Beke, will be up for review and will expire at the end of the 2026 season.
An insider told the publication: "The one thing that the BBC knew would keep some continuity this year was that the judges would all be back. They are under contract, so that was a guarantee for the bosses and was definitely one less headache for them. But anything could happen. Any of them could walk away now, and they will be free agents."
The source claimed: "The most likely is Shirley. She has done a decade now, and she has grandchildren that she wants to see more of. The terms of their contracts will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don't like what the BBC is offering, maybe they won't return."
