Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has revealed a surprising hobby—golf—and announced an exciting new career move: co-hosting a podcast called Putt And Strut with Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk. The 58-year-old star, who plays off a handicap of one, admitted he could have become a professional golfer if he had discovered the sport before dance.
Du Beke sees strong parallels between golf and dance, saying, “You’re always striving for the next level. You can’t perfect golf, and dancing is the same thing.” He believes his dance background has improved his golf game, noting similarities in motion, timing, rhythm, and hip movement.
The podcast, launching on Friday 21st February on Global Player and other platforms, aims to attract more women to golf. Guests will include tennis coach Judy Murray and actor James Nesbitt. Du Beke hopes to break down the “intimidatory factor” that makes golf seem male-oriented.
Du Beke, father to seven-year-old twins with wife Hannah, uses golf as a workspace. “I don’t do any sort of work at home... because of the children. So when I get on to the golf course, it’s great. It’s where I do everything. I learn lyrics, I think about dance styles, putting shows together,” he said.
He fondly recalls playing golf with his “great hero,” the late Bruce Forsyth, adding, “We played a lot of golf and not once did he let me win.”
