Published at 11:11, Thursday, 07 June 2012

ANTON du Beke swapped the Strictly dancefloor for Whitehaven harbour for a special guest appearance at the Diamond Jubilee Festival.

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Anton posed for photographs and signed autographs for the scores of fans who welcomed him to town on Saturday afternoon.

The ballroom dancer and television presenter told The Whitehaven News that he had enjoyed meeting festival-goers – and there was only one topic that everyone wanted to discuss.

“Of course, everyone is keen to ask me about Strictly,” said Anton, who has starred in all nine series of the hit BBC show, winning votes and judges’ acclaim for routines with partners including Nancy Dell’Olio, Lesley Garrett Patsy Palmer, Kate Garraway and, famously, Ann Widdecombe.

“Everyone was asking who my partner will be for this year, but the truth is that I genuinely don’t find out until the ‘reveal’ show, when I learn who my partner is at the same time as the viewing public does.”

So who is Anton’s dream partner?

“I wouldn’t say that there’s anyone in particular, and maybe there isn’t such thing as a ‘dream’ partner,” he said.

“Look at Ann Widdecombe [who Anton partnered in the 2010 series]. You’d never have picked Ann out as a dream partner, but she was an absolute joy.

“I’ve been lucky to have worked with some great characters; in many ways that is as important as being a great dancer, to have a sense of humour and a personality that connects with the audience and the judges.

“Everyone is talking about Katherine Jenkins, and how well she has done in America [on Dancing With The Stars]. I have heard a lot of good things about her.”

The next series of Strictly begins in September, and Anton will soon have a new book published, B is for Ballroom. A new tour with his dance partner and fellow Strictly star Erin Boag is also planned for next year, alongside his other television projects.

But for now, Anton says he “thoroughly enjoyed” his time in Whitehaven before returning home to London to enjoy the Jubilee celebrations.

“I’ve been warmly welcomed and everyone has been on great form,” he said.

“The weather has been wonderful and I wish Whitehaven Festival every success.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk