After he insulted his previous partners during the Strictly Come Dancing launch show, Anton du Beke may well have landed himself in hot water again.
The Strictly veteran is paired with EastEnders actress Emma Barton and has joked that he could lift the Glitter Ball trophy this year because his partner has “her own teeth”.
The 53-year-old professional dancer has only made the final twice, coming third with Lesley Garrett in 2004 and fourth with presenter Katie Derham in 2015.
He’s since been paired with MP Ann Widdecombe, 71, Birds Of A Feather’s Lesley Joseph, 73, TV legend Esther Rantzen, 79, and This Morning‘s Ruth Langsford, 59.
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Last year he finished in last place with former What Not To Wear co-host Susannah Constantine, 57.
This year, Anton believes he’s got lucky with Emma, 42, who he described as “tall, gorgeous and talented”.
He admitted it’s “an absolute dream” because she is “younger than he’s used to”.
He told the Radio Times: “I’m very excited about this one. Emma’s tall, gorgeous and talented.”
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He added of the actress, who plays Honey in the BBC soap: “She’s an absolute dream and, I’ve got to be honest, younger than I’m used to.”
Anton then quipped: “And she’s got her own teeth. That’ll do for me.”
His previous partner Ruth, who has remained friends with Anton, spoke out in support of the dancer.
She said Emma “couldn’t have a better partner” in Anton, who is the show’s longest-serving professional dancer.
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